Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will be looking to consolidate their place in the Premier League’s top four with victory at Stoke on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The Reds conceded a late Josh King equaliser to only draw 2-2 with Bournemouth on Wednesday night, a result which keeps them third in the division, although only six points clear of fifth place Arsenal who do have two games in hand on Klopp’s men.

However, points on the board is more valuable at this stage, and the Merseyside club will be hoping for their first away league win of 2017 at the bet365 Stadium against a Stoke side who have struggled in recent weeks.

Mark Hughes’ men have lost their last three games to slip to 12th in the Premier League table, and although they are still eight points clear of danger, they need to start picking up some points soon or they could find themselves in a relegation dog-fight.

The Potters have lost just one of their last nine home matches, although three of their four defeats at the bet365 Stadium this term have come against the other members of the current top four.

Thus, Klopp’s men will be confident of getting back to winning ways on Saturday, although the Reds boss may be tempted into making some changes following their frustrating draw on Wednesday night.

So, here are THREE Liverpool players who deserve a chance against Stoke this weekend…

Joel Matip

Cameroon defender Joel Matip was dropped from the starting eleven against Bournemouth on Wednesday night, although Klopp may look to the former Schalke centre-back in a bid to solidify his backline.

The goal the Reds conceded in the last few minutes against Bournemouth was a poor one, with there several opportunities to clear the ball, and 25-year-old Matip has shown to arguably be their best defender this term.

He has started 20 of their 31 Premier League games, with injury thwarting his progress over the festive period, yet if he can get back near his early season form, then the Reds will immediately be more difficult to beat between now and May, starting at Stoke on Saturday.

Ben Woodburn

 

With Sadio Mane looking likely to be out for the rest of the season, the Liverpool forwards have to step up in his absence.

And Klopp may turn to youth against Stoke this weekend, with Ben Woodburn potentially due for his first Premier League start for the club.

The 17-year-old burst onto the scene by netting in their 2-0 win over Leeds in the League Cup back in November, and has since made five substitute appearances for the Reds, two of which coming in the league.

However, with Mane, who has scored 15 goals in the Premier League this term, expected to be out for a while, Klopp needs his front players to chip in and make a difference in the final third – thus, he could turn to Woodburn on Saturday.

Daniel Sturridge

Mane’s injury may have given striker Daniel Sturridge a chance to revive and potentially save his Liverpool career.

The England international has struggled to dispose the likes of Mane, Philippe Coutinho, and Roberto Firmino from the starting line-up, while Divock Origi often gets the nod ahead of the 27-year-old due to his all round forward ability.

However, if Klopp needs someone to get him some crucial goals, Sturridge is his man, given that he has scored 59 goals in 113 games for Liverpool, and in his last start, he got the opener in their 2-2 draw with Sunderland back in January.

He hasn’t appeared for the Reds since the start of February, although was on the bench on Wednesday, and thus could make a return to the starting eleven on Saturday.