Stoke vs Liverpool match preview: Brendan Rodgers seeks revenge for 6-1 humiliation - and now has Christian Benteke to help him

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at The Britannia Stadium

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It’s a big game for…

Christian Benteke: In the wake of Daniel Sturridge’s ongoing injury troubles Christian Benteke will find himself at the pinnacle of Brendan Rodgers’ attack come Sunday. The £32.5m man showed that he’s more than a physical presence with a stunning chest and volley against Swindon in pre-season, and his Premier League goalscoring record in the last three seasons is only bettered by Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie. Stoke will have to be wary of the Belgian’s pace and power.

Best stat…

6: Stoke’s stunning 6-1 win against Liverpool on Steven Gerrard’s final appearance in a red shirt was their biggest ever league win, and Liverpool’s biggest ever defeat in the Premier League era. Brendan Rodgers has gone on to keep his job but his early season performances will go a long way in convincing chief owner John Henry that he is the right man to take the Merseysiders forward.

Remember when…

What a difference 15 years makes… Liverpool faced Stoke in the League Cup in the 2000-01 season and thrashed the potters 8-0. Robbie Fowler grabbed a hat-trick and a hat-trick of assists.

Player to watch…

Ibrahim Affelay: The former Barcelona midfielder is one of four (yes, four!) Champions League winners in Stoke’s squad. Liverpool often found themselves threadbare between midfield and defence last season - an area which the 29-year-old Dutchman loves to exploit. Depending on whether Liverpool line up with three or four at the back, the Utrecht-born attacker could flourish.

Past three-meetings…

Stoke 6 (Diouf 2, Walters, Adam, N’Zonzi, Crouch) Liverpool 1 (Gerrard), Premier League, May 2015)

Liverpool 1 (Johnson) Stoke 0, Premier League, November 2014

Stoke 3(Crouch, Adam, Walters) Liverpool 5 (Shawcross OG, Suárez 2, Gerrard, Sturridge)

Form guide…

Stoke pre-season: LWWLLL

Liverpool pre-season: WWWDWW

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: Sunday 4pm

TV: Live on Sky Sports, highlights on BBC1