The 3 key battles as Stoke City host Liverpool this afternoon

Marko Arnautovic vs Joel Matip

Stoke’s Marko Arnautovic has scored five goals and laid on three assists in 26 Premier League games this term, and will once again be the main threat to Liverpool’s backline this afternoon.

The Austrian international missed the reverse fixture back in December due to suspension, but will look to improve on a run of form which has seen him net just twice in his last nine league matches.

However, of the four goals Arnautovic has scored in 2017, they have both been braces in crucial Stoke victories, so it’s clear that, when he does net, he gains in confidence and then produces some sterling performances.

Thus, it’s imperative that Liverpool’s Joel Matip keeps him in check at the bet365 Stadium this afternoon.

The Cameroon centre-back was dropped from the starting eleven in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Wednesday evening, and given the way the Reds defended for much of that encounter, you’d expect him to return this afternoon.

And if he does, he’ll have to be near his best to keep the hugely talented Arnautovic quiet – if he does, Klopp’s men will be confident of clinching all three points this afternoon.