Mark Lawrenson predicts misery for Liverpool this weekend

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has predicted the Reds will drop points against Stoke City this weekend.

The former defender believes Liverpool’s inability to grind out results against lesser teams will cost them again.

Liverpool were held to a 2-2 by Bournemouth on Wednesday, just days after defeating their rivals Everton by a 3-1 scoreline.

Emre Can played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday night despite coming into the game as an injury doubt. The 23-year-old is fit and available for selection once again this weekend.

“After coming back from 1-0 down to lead Bournemouth 2-1 on Wednesday, there is no way Liverpool should have conceded a late equaliser the way they did,” Former Liverpool star MarkLawrenson told the BBC Sport website.

“You can call it game management if you like, but it comes down to a collective responsibility by the team – when you are ahead with a few minutes to go, you make sure you win.

“Liverpool do not have the ability to do that at the moment. You could argue they are too nice, and they are also missing the injured Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane.

“Stoke have now lost three on the spin and have scored only one goal in their past four matches, but I don’t see Liverpool going there and winning.”

Liverpool recorded a 4-1 win over Stoke City earlier this season.

The Merseyside club may be without their star playmaker Philippe Coutinho who came off at half time due to an illness.

Liverpool are currently in third place in the Premier League with 60 points after 31 games. Jurgen Klopp’s side are six points ahead of fifth place Arsenal.