The 3 key battles as Stoke City host Liverpool 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.