Liverpool Football Formation

Lineup (4-3-3)

This assumes that Suarez will start, otherwise I suspect that either N'Gog will get a run, or Kuyt will be played at the top with Cole coming into the starting lineup.

Despite being out of sorts, Kuyt offers delivery on the right and a bit more protection for Kelly, who is still finding his feet in a lot of games. You could even switch Kuyt to the left (diminishing his crossing ability) which would give Johnson some extra cover to bomb forward as he has done to quite good effect on the left so far.

Maxi is really starting to adapt to the EPL and I rate him above Cole at this stage. He doesn't have the same ability to pull something out of the hat but he's an all round more capable player.

Gerrard, Meireles and Lucas will operate as a fluid central three. Each is capable of pushing forward in attack while also being competent in a defensive capacity. This means that Stoke will need to be completely on top of their marking or risk an unchecked run towards the box.

Skrtel misses out in defense because, quite simply, he hasn't been particularly good.