Liverpool will struggle against Stoke, says Paul Merson

SkySports pundit Paul Person believes Liverpool will struggle against Stoke City this weekend.

The Reds have an incredible record against the leagues top six but have consistently dropped points against the leagues lesser sides.

Liverpool defeated Everton 3-1 last weekend only to be held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth four days later.

“Liverpool are a weird team. When they come up against a big side you know what they’ll bring,” Merson told SkySports.

“They’ll come and fly at you and have a right go. Then, against the lesser teams, they just struggle.”

See More: Liverpool fans react to Emre Can display against Bournemouth on social media

“They just can’t afford any more of these draws if they want to get the top four, but Stoke were unlucky to lose in midweek at Burnley and I think they’ll get a draw here.”

Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently in third place in the Premier League with 60 points after 31 games. The Reds are two points ahead of fourth places Man City however, the Citizens do have a game in hand.

Arsenal – who are six points behind Liverpool – also have two game in hand over the Reds.

Emre Can is once again expected to start for Jurgen Klopp’s side. The 23-year-old has stepped up to the mark in Jordan Henderson’s absence in recent weeks.

Liverpool are without a win in their last five games away from home. Stoke meanwhile have lost three consecutive games at the Bet365 Stadium.