Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool travel to Stoke City this afternoon (3pm kick-off) hoping to consolidate their place in the Premier League’s top four.

The Reds could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on Wednesday, and although it did extend their unbeaten league run to five matches, it saw Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal gain ground after they beat West Ham 3-0 at the Emirates.

It means that Klopp’s men are just six points clear of the Gunners, and with the North London outfit having two games in hand, it’s imperative that Liverpool continue to put points on the board.

And they’ll feel confident of getting three more away at Stoke this afternoon, who suffered a third straight league defeat on Tuesday after going down 1-0 at Burnley.

Mark Hughes’ men are just eight points clear of the bottom three with seven games remaining, so they really need to start picking up points soon or else they could be in a relegation dog-fight in the coming weeks.

Clearly, it should be a fascinating encounter between two sides in need of the three points, so we’ve analysed the THREE key battles that could determine the outcome 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.

Charlie Adam vs Lucas

Former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam has hit the news in the last few days due to his failed corner attempt against Burnley on Tuesday evening.

However, the 31-year-old will turn his attentions to causing his former employers some problems this afternoon, given that all three of his Premier League assists have come in 2017.

Adam spent just one season at Anfield back in 2011, appearing 35 times for Kenny Dalglish’s side, and he’ll come up against a familiar face in the centre of midfield today in the form of Lucas.

The former Brazilian international has started their last two league matches due to injuries to Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson, and performed admirably in their Merseyside derby victory over Everton last weekend.

Another solid display against Bournemouth demonstrates that the 30-year-old still has the quality to affect things at this level, and he’ll have to be at his defensive best this afternoon to thwart Adam’s attacking instincts, most notably his desire to cut inside and unleash a long-range strike.

It should be a fascinating battle between the two at the bet365 Stadium this afternoon.

Ryan Shawcross vs Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho was forced off against Bournemouth on Wednesday night due to illness, and it remains to be seen whether or not he is fit to start this afternoon.

If he is though, Reds supporters will hope to see the same Coutinho that inspired them to a derby day win over Everton last weekend, and indeed netted his eighth goal of the campaign against the Cherries a few days ago.

It seems that the 24-year-old is slowly but surely regaining top form, and with Sadio Mane out for the rest of the season, Klopp will need the Brazilian playmaker at the peak of his powers between now and May to lead his side to a top four finish.

However, Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross will be the one tasked with frustrating Coutinho this afternoon.

The Englishman played on the right side of a back three in their 1-0 loss at Burnley on Tuesday night, and should Hughes implement the same system this afternoon, it would see him come up against Liverpool’s Coutinho.

The Reds will feel confident of winning this battle, what with Coutinho’s pace and excellent technical ability, yet Shawcross is an experienced defender at this level, so will know how best to deal with the 24-year-old this afternoon.