On a final day of the Premier League season with very few storylines, the biggest could very well be that of Steven Gerrard playing his last match with Liverpool (18-8-11, 62 Points). That last match will come at the Britannia against a Stoke City (14-9-14, 51 Points) which will finish ninth best in England this season.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Not surprisingly, with nothing to play for, Stoke City is a decided underdog in this fixture against a Liverpool team which can wrap up a spot in the Europa League next season with a win or some help. The Reds will clinch a European spot if either Southampton or Tottenham lose or if Southampton draws as well.
Liverpool is the +109 moneyline favorite to snare the three points in Gerrard's farewell. The total is at 2.5 (over -115), which is not surprisingly somewhat high considering the lack of importance this fixture has to the hosts.
KEY INJURIES
Injuries aren't the concern right now for Liverpool. Yes, the Reds won't have Daniel Sturridge, Mamadou Sakho and John Flanagan for their finale, but there is a question as to whether they are going to allow arguably their biggest star beyond Gerrard, Raheem Sterling play or not after he asked for a transfer in the offseason.
Stoke hasn't had access to Bojan or Victor Moses for any point of the run-in, and that won't change on Sunday either. Aside from that though, the Potters have had good fortune with health this season.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"There shouldn't be any responsibility on anyone to solely filly Steven's boots. It is going to have to be a contribution from the team. If everyone gives two, three percent extra, then hopefully we can half fill that spot. It is going to be tough, but we will be working hard." – Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana on what the Reds have to do going forward once Gerrard leaves for the LA Galaxy next week
RECENT FORM
It was a bloody shame that Liverpool lost the last match Gerrard ever played at home last week against Crystal Palace. That extends the misery of a woeful 3-2-5 stretch in the Reds' last 10 matches, the effect of which was taking it out of the Champions League for next season.
Stoke City has four points in its last two matches to get it to 51 for the season, the best mark it has ever accomplished in the Premier League. There will be cause for celebration for sure at the Britannia as a result, and we believe that celebration will continue regardless of what happens on this day.
TALKING TOTALS
Not surprisingly, the end of the season has seen Liverpool conceding goals like mad. The Reds have given up six in their last four matches, something which has to concern Brendan Rodgers going into this final fixture. Only two of the four have gone past the total though, as Liverpool has only three goals to show for its last five games in totality.
The Potters have been playing a lot of under matches of late, including last week when they played to a scoreless draw against Burnley. Stoke has played three of its last four duels under the number.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
It would be fitting if Liverpool won this match to send Gerrard out on a high note, but we don't see it happening. There is just too much momentum right now which has been lost at Anfield between the defensive struggles and the departure of Sterling imminent.
The price on Stoke City at +260 on the moneyline is just far too good to pass on in the finale.
Stoke City 2, Liverpool 0
BookMaker has live English Premier League odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Liverpool opened as a +109 favorite. The first offering of the total came in at 2.5 (over -115). Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Liverpool and Stoke City will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Britannia Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on the NBC family of networks.
