Carling Cup (Wednesday)

These are strange times we live in when Stoke City are enduring a fixture pile-up due to European commitments while Liverpool can focus entirely on domestic matters. The demands on Tony Pulis’ side are taking their toll - but so far only away from home. The Brittania Stadium remains a fortress where the Potters remain unbeaten with six wins and three draws to their name. They beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Premier League in September; I see no reason why they can’t emerge victorious again on Wednesday, at generous odds of 13/5 with VictorChandler.

Tony Pulis has some effective squad rotation going on and Peter Crouch will be one man keen to leave his mark against his old club. The England striker scored against Arsenal at the weekend, and an equaliser against Man Utd in a 1-1 draw a few weeks ago. With Chelsea also held to a goalless draw, Stoke’s formidable home record is certainly not down to a kind run of fixtures.

Liverpool showed their vulnerability when they got smashed 4-0 at Tottenham last month. The 1-1 Anfield draw with Norwich at the weekend was less devastating but equally damaging in its own way. Dalglish’s side just can’t keep the opposition out very often; two clean sheets in 12 outings is a cause for concern. I find it hard to see why any neutral would be seduced by the 5/4 (Betfred) on the away win. A draw is more likely at 23/10 (Ladbrokes) but a Stoke win should be favourite, totally overpriced at 13/5 (VictorChandler).