Liverpool returns to a familiar place for one of its biggest games of the season.
The Reds face Stoke City on Tuesday at The Brittania Stadium in the first of a two-game Capital One Cup (Football League Cup) semifinal series. Liverpool is in hot pursuit of a trophy it has lifted a record eight times, most recently in 2011-12. Stoke City last won the competition in 1971-72.
Liverpool topped Stoke City 1-0 on Aug. 9 at in the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Philippe Coutinho’s late goal gave the Reds a dramatic win.
But the stakes now are far different from what they were in the teams’ last meeting at The Brittania Stadium.
Injured striker Daniel Sturridge and midfielder Jordan Henderson will miss the first leg of the semifinal. The onus likely will fall on Christian Benteke and Adam Lallana to produce the goals in their teammates’ absences.
American defender Geoff Cameron is available to play for Stoke City, following the FA’s decision to rescind the red card he received Saturday in the Potters’ Premier League loss to West Brom.
The teams will meet again in the second leg of the semifinals on Jan. 26 at Anfield.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 3 p.m. ET
Live Stream: beIn Sports Connect
Thumbnail photo via LFCXtra.com
