The 3 key battles as Stoke City host Liverpool 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.