Our Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to extend their unbeaten Premier League on a cold rainy Wednesday night in Stoke.

Since the humiliating 4-1 defeat to Spurs, Liverpool have gone 6 games without a loss in all competitions although our regulars say their defensive weakness still remains, which was highlighted in the Champions League draw against Sevilla.

The Reds currently sit in 6th and two points off fourth place, so a win in the midweek game would thrust them into the Champions League, spots if other results go their way. As you can imagine, the sight of Klopp’s men back in the top four would appease some of our local Kopites indeed.

Our barman thinks that Reds boss Klopp will look to try and gain a little momentum going into the busy festive period and, with him also able to choose from a 99% fully fit squad, he’s got options.

Having that said, our landlord takes a look at a starting eleven that will blow Mark Hughes’ Stoke City side away.

Simon Mignolet

Klopp’s chopping and changing of the goalkeeper position continues between Mignolet and Karius this season, with both failing to impress enough to hold down the spot on a regular basis.

Mignolet gets the nod on this week and will be looking for a big performance, especially with the January window approaching.

Joe Gomez

The young England man has impressed in recent months and, with Liverpool’s defensive issues, many a fan has called for Klopp to give Gomez the chance in the centre of the defence.

With Nathaniel Clyne currently out, Klopp may opt to put the youngster on the right once again.

Dejan Lovren

The Liverpool defender is currently out injured with a back injury but could be back for the midweek game, the defensive pairing of Lovren and Matip have been the only consistent thing at the back.

Fighting for his place with the talks of a possible defender coming into the club this January, Lovren will want to show he can improve, after a miserable time of things.

Joel Matip

The German defender has had quite the season already this term, the spotlight on the Liverpool defensive pairing of him and Lovren has been the terrace talk so far.

Alongside Lovren he needs to start putting in some big showings to prove to Klopp that he can be the man who will lead and organise the back line.

Alberto Moreno

After his disaster in Sevilla, Klopp kept faith in the left-back.

Moreno was just starting to find his feet this season and maybe that match might have set his confidence back a little, so a good, solid display will start to bring back the momentum he’d just started to gain.

Jordan Henderson

The club captain is failing to lead by example is recent matches, following his return from injury the Liverpool man is struggling for form and inspiration to feed through his teammates.

Many want the midfield general dropped while he re-finds his spark though a captain’s display against Stoke will silence some growing critics.

Georginio Wijnaldum

The Dutchman is in a four-way battle with his fellow team-mates for probably the only spot up for grabs in the midfield, with Klopp opting for his regular ‘fab four’ and club Captain Henderson.

A solid performance from him will further cement his place but, with the likes of Adam Lallana coming back from injury, competition for places are hotting up fast.

Philippe Coutinho

One part of the infamous ‘fab four’, Coutinho is the key to unlock any defence and you can see why Klopp wants to keep him so much.

The Brazilian playmaker has been instrumental this season in the Reds high flying attack, he hasn’t got much to prove but another good game can only add to his already rising stock.

Mo Salah

The former Chelsea man has been an instant hit at Anfield this season and is already the highest scoring player since Luis Suarez left for Barcelona.

His ability to find the back of the net makes him one of the most dangerous right-sided attackers in the game at the moment.

Roberto Firmino

Fellow Brazilian Firmino has a little competition and, now going into the January window, coupled with the return from injury of Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings, both will be looking to either get back into the team or put them in the shop window for other clubs.

With that in mind, Firmino will want to get on the score sheet after being dropped last weekend and show Klopp what he’s capable of.

Sadio Mane

On the left side of the three is the ever impressive Mane. His contribution to the attacking side of the Liverpool game, alongside his searing pace, gives defenders nightmares.

The Stoke backline should be on high alert and with the flying counter attacking the Reds can create, Mane is a dangerous concept.