Perhaps 77 days is not enough time to heal the scars of a club’s heaviest defeat for 52 years but Liverpool return to the Britannia Stadium needing immediate evidence of progress after another summer of big investment. Both teams have undergone substantial change since Stoke humiliated Brendan Rodgers’ men 6-1 on the final day of last season with Mark Hughes making eight signings this summer, including the former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson, compared to Liverpool’s seven. Ryan Shawcross’ injury and Steven N’Zonzi’s exit could impact on Stoke’s strength down their spine. Andy Hunter
Kick-off Sunday 4pm
Venue Britannia Stadium
Last season Stoke City 6 Liverpool 1
Live Sky Sports 1
Referee Anthony Taylor
This season G30, Y115, R5, 4.17 cards per game
Odds H 5-2 A 5-4 D 12-5
Stoke City
Subs from Given, Haugaard, Bardsley, Muniesa, Cameron, Teixeira, Wilkinson, Afellay, Shenton, Odemwingie, Crouch, Walters, Van Ginkel, Ireland
Doubtful Arnautovic (thigh), Wilson (ankle)
Injured Krkic (knee, 1 Sep), Shawcross (back, Oct)
Suspended None
Discipline (last season) Y83 R1
Top scorer (last season) Diouf 11
Liverpool
Subs from Bogdan, Touré, Sakho, Can, Moreno, Teixeira, Lallana, Lucas, Yesil, Origi, Ings, Markovic, José Enrique, Balotelli, Borini
Doubtful None
Injured Sturridge (hip, 12 Sep), Flanagan (knee, Nov), Allen (hamstring, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline (last season) Y67 R3
Top scorer (last season) Gerrard 9