Stoke City against Liverpool

GOAL FOR STOKE! My goodness, Roberth Huth taps home at the far post after Higginbotham heads back across goal. Disaster for Liverpool.

GOALMOUTH SCRAMBLE! Andy Wilkinson slams the ball wide after Liverpool fail to clear. Everyone was expecting a long throw but Diao went short.

Kyrgiakos heads behind as Stoke win another late corner. Again Reina rises to the challenge and clears.

Reina continues to dominate his box as he punches clear from another ball into the area.

Liverpool make a late change as Alberto Aquilani replaces David Ngog. The Italian can play for four minutes, then.

Still the long throws bombard the Liverpool box and still the visitors keep Stoke at bay.

Pepe Reina grabs the set-piece as it flies into the box and the 'keeper has had a very good second half. An element of composure just when Liverpool needed it.

Diao launches in another long throw from the right and Insua, for a second, looks like he has headed it into his own net. It is a corner to Stoke though.

Well the tide is turning in Stoke's favour, despite my foolhardy prediction that they were done for. The nerves are growing in the Liverpool defence.

Corner to Stoke as Fuller plays the ball off Kyrgiakos...

Reina does excellently to get among three home shirts and punch clear from a dangerous cross. Tuncay was just waiting to head that in.

I don't want to jinx anything, but Stoke really don't look like getting anything out of this game at all. Ten minutes remaining now.

Here is Maxi, as he replaces Degen. He is an exciting player at his best and it will be interesting to see if he can make an impact today.

New signing Maxi Rodriguez is ready to come on for Liverpool...

From the set-piece, Stoke go close as Ricardo Fuller meets Etherington's corner and heads the ball at Jose Reina.

Ricardo Fuller darts into the box and goes down under contact with Kyrgiakos but it was never a penalty and Stoke win a corner.

Salif Diao is booked for his furious reaction to a foul on Lucas.

Despite the goal, Liverpool are still looking a bit scrappy in what has been a very, very bad game so far. Rafa won't mind one bit though.

Stoke's problems continue as Tuncay requires a quick bit of treatment. Again, he looks to be okay.

Liverpool take possession some 30 yards from goal but Aurelio's chip over the top is too powerful and the ball floats out for a goalkick.

Stoke have just made their final change and Etherington immediately feels his foot after a challenge from Lucas. He looks okay at the moment though and should continue.

Stoke make a change with Ricardo Fuller coming on for Mamady Sidibe. A striker for a striker.

So how do Stoke respond now? They have created little of note really, Tuncay's header aside, and have to take the initiative. That could play into Liverpool's hands.

It is all getting a bit testy as Skrtel and Diao have a coming together in the box. Meanwhile, a Lucas free kick comes to nothing.

RYAN BABEL TWITTER UPDATE: After announcing to the world he had been excluded from today's squad, Babel is back toeing the party line by declaring "#YNWA!" He is @RyanBabel, if you are interested.

Tuncay goes close! Shawcross flicks on a throw and Tuncay heads over at the back post. He kicks the post in frustration and well he might, because that should have been a goal.

So Liverpool score with their first proper chance and what a relief that is for Rafa Benitez. After all that, it is Stoke who are undone by a set-piece, although it probably should not have been awarded as Higginbotham didn't foul Degen.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos is the man of the moment for Liverpool as he bundles the ball home from close range. Thomas Sorensen was at fault when spilling an Aurelio free kick. Anyone got David James' phone number?

GOAL FOR LIVERPOOL!

Pepe Reina is sporting a fetching grey roll-neck jumper under his kit. He looks ready to whip his shirt off and join in a poetry reading at the drop of a hat.

Tuncay drills the ball wide with a snap-shot from inside the box. The Turk has had a couple of half-chances now.

Kyrgiakos' attempts to re-enter the pitch are deemed premature as he is ordered back for more treatment on a cut.

Kyrgiakos is now penalised as the pressure begins to build on the visitors, just as it did at the start of the second half. The Greek defender needs attention on a facial injury.

Lawrence's delivery is cleared from the centre of the box as Stoke fail to take advantage of another set-piece.

Liam Lawrence takes the set-piece and his free-kick deflects off the wall and out for a corner.

Hopes that this game will improve in the second half have not increased so far, it must be said. But Mascherano gives away a free kick for a blatant foul on Dean Whitehead.

Mascherano attempts to unleash David Ngog with a ball over the top but puts too much on the pass.

It has been a fiesty start to the second half with both teams looking keen to make a mark. No chances as yet though.

KICK OFF Liverpool get the second half underway.

A late, late free kick for Liverpool comes to nothing and that is half-time. The Reds could well have had a penalty in a moment of controversy, but it has been poor fare otherwise. Not the worst 45 minutes for Liverpool though.

This has been fairly dismal stuff so far, without even as much as a shot on target for either side.

Etherington is penalised for pulling down Javier Mascherano and we will have three minutes of injury time, thanks in part to those two Stoke substitutions.

Diao's long throw is worked back to the midfielder but his cross poses few problems for the Liverpool defence and they clear their lines.

A pretty disappointing first half will be coming to an end soon but Liverpool will probably be content with how they have performed. Stoke have looked toothless, especially since Delap's departure, even if Liverpool have hardly been sparkling.

When Stoke do attempt to string together a flowing move, Etherington's dinked ball in for Wilkinson has a bit too much on it and it runs out for a goal kick.

A routine defensive header from Higginbotham back to Sorensen gets a round of applause from the home supporters. This bunch are obviously easily pleased!

Liam Lawrence receives a kick to the ankle on the far touchline and Stoke's big men lurch menacingly upfield. However, the free kick flies straight into the hands of Reina. A waste.

Emiliano Insua delivers a wicked cross on the volley to cap off a fine move from Liverpool, but there is no one attacking the ball at the back post.

Liam Lawrence wins a corner as Stoke look dangerous but Etherington's delivery is headed clear by Liverpool and the chance passes.

Stoke have the chance to break but their passing is too slow and they are forced back, before Thomas Sorensen belts the ball upfield. Disappointing.

Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio attempt to orchestrate a one-two down the left flank but the Argentine cannot collect the return pass and Stoke have a goal-kick.

Stoke are still looking to go over the top but while Mamady Sidibe is doing okay, they aren't creating anything outside of long throws and set pieces. Higginbotham and Diao have assumed the Delap role.

Benitez looks angry with the match officials following that Lucas incident. No doubt he will make a sneaky reference to the refereeing and then refuse to elaborate following the final whistle, as per usual.

Liverpool string together a nice passing move but when Ngog receives the ball on the far touchline, he cannot control and the momentum disappears.

Stoke do indeed make another change as Andy Wilkinson comes on for the injured Faye. Tony Pulis only has one change left now. Liverpool no doubt feel their pain after losing Torres and Gerrard in the Reading defeat in midweek.

Liverpool are furious after being denied a penalty! Lucas plays a neat one-two with Degen and goes down under contact from Higginbotham. He looked to be falling fairly easily and is booked, but that was a contentious decision.

Abdoulaye Faye is also hobbling but Stoke make the change with Lawrence replacing Delap. They may have to make a second shortly if Faye cannot continue.

Stoke have the edge in possession but Liverpool have relieved some of that early pressure. Meanwhile, Liam Lawrence is stripped off and ready to replace Delap. Bad news for the home side.

Worrying developments for Stoke as thrower-extraordinaire Rory Delap pulls up. However, he looks okay to continue. As long as his arms are okay, keep him on the pitch!

Hmmmm, now Mascherano produces a distinctly Javier Mascherano-esque ball over the top. That's more like it, nowhere near anyone.

Dean Whitehead gets in the way of a Lucas shot as the Brazilian takes aim from 20 yards out. The chance arrived after Dirk Kuyt crossed from the right.

Javier Mascherano plays a neat ball over the top for David Ngog but the Frenchman is ruled offside. That was a Xabi Alonso-esque pass, the exception rather than the rule for Mascherano though.

Lucas wrestles control of a long ball and gets his shot away but, as ever, Stoke's defence throw their bodies in the way and the effort is blocked. Squaring for Degen was a better option.

Now Aurelio tries one from closer in as his volley from the left-hand side of the box is deflected into the arms of Thomas Sorensen.

David Ngog whips in a low cross from the right but Ryan Shawcross is on hand to clear. That is the first glimmer of a chance for the Reds, aside from Aurelio's ridiculous effort from 60 yards of course.

Mamady Sidibe gets his head to it but Reina collects that one easily enough. There is no doubt that Stoke are looking to exploit the aerial route and why not? It has worked wonders for them here in the past 18 months.

Here is another Delap throw...

Reina is struggling with these Delap throws as he paws at another one. The ball pops up in the air but Huth cannot direct it in as Aurelio puts him off. That was fortunate for Liverpool and they look very vulnerable.

Martin Skrtel twice looks unconvincing when dealing with a high ball. Stoke will be very encouraged by that.

Pepe Reina comes and flaps for a Rory Delap throw, under pressure from Tuncay, and does just enough for Liverpool.

Huth belts the ball right into the wall and that is an opportunity spurned for the home side. How often do you see those smashed free-kicks go in? What a waste of time.

Lucas concedes a foul when hauling down the aforementioned Tuncay, with Robert Huth lining up a piledriver from 25 yards.

It is hardly a shock for me to report that there has been little real quality on display so far. Indeed, the player most capable of a moment of magic on this pitch is Tuncay Sanli, underlining the paucity of flair on offer.

Etherington delivers the set piece and after some messy attempts to clear, Liverpool get the ball away thanks to Lucas. Aurelio opts to shoot from his own half though, ignoring Mascherano who was charging through. Masch is rightly furious.

Matt Etherington embarks on a good run and gets away from Jamie Carragher, who is at right back today. Emiliano Insua heads behind for a corner.

It is already a thunderous atmosphere, but that is what you expect at fortress Britannia.

Meanwhile, Stoke reply with You're Not Famous Any More! Ouch. It's a quiet start from both sides.

KICK OFF Stoke get the game underway and the defiant Reds fans are indulging in a spot of You'll Never Walk Alone.

It seems a strange choice for Benitez to exile Babel from the squad just when he would be in contention for a start. A transfer must be imminent. Let's see if that decision backfires...

The players come out of the tunnel to a thunderous reception from the Stoke fans. It is quite simple today: Liverpool must produce a convincing performance, and win, otherwise the morning papers won't make good reading for Rafa.

If Liverpool struggle then they at least have options on the bench. New signing Maxi Rodriguez is there, as is £20m man Alberto Aquilani. Albert Riera is also an option if, as expected, Liverpool's midfield struggle.

Stoke are strong at home and will fight with every inch of their being. It remains to be seen how Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Martin Skrtel deal with Delap's long throws. They haven't convinced so far this season.

After being eliminated from the FA Cup by Reading, at Anfield as well, Liverpool find themselves five points off the Champions League places and a defeat today could be fatal. What's more, it looks very possible.

It was prior to this game last season that Rafa embarked on his famous 'facts' rant and, credit to the Spaniard, he spoofed himself yesterday. A touch of comedy cannot disguise the fact that his side are in real trouble though.

Welcome to our live coverage of Rafa Benitez's final game as Liverpool manager. Oops, I mean the chance for Liverpool to get their season back on track. With Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun out, it's a tough task ahead at Stoke.

Live updates will follow from 1230 GMT.

Salif Diao is booked for his furious reaction to a foul on Lucas.

Despite the goal, Liverpool are still looking a bit scrappy in what has been a very, very bad game so far. Rafa won't mind one bit though.

Stoke's problems continue as Tuncay requires a quick bit of treatment. Again, he looks to be okay.

Liverpool take possession some 30 yards from goal but Aurelio's chip over the top is too powerful and the ball floats out for a goalkick.

Stoke have just made their final change and Etherington immediately feels his foot after a challenge from Lucas. He looks okay at the moment though and should continue.

Stoke make a change with Ricardo Fuller coming on for Mamady Sidibe. A striker for a striker.

So how do Stoke respond now? They have created little of note really, Tuncay's header aside, and have to take the initiative. That could play into Liverpool's hands.

It is all getting a bit testy as Skrtel and Diao have a coming together in the box. Meanwhile, a Lucas free kick comes to nothing.

RYAN BABEL TWITTER UPDATE: After announcing to the world he had been excluded from today's squad, Babel is back toeing the party line by declaring "#YNWA!" He is @RyanBabel, if you are interested.

Tuncay goes close! Shawcross flicks on a throw and Tuncay heads over at the back post. He kicks the post in frustration and well he might, because that should have been a goal.

So Liverpool score with their first proper chance and what a relief that is for Rafa Benitez. After all that, it is Stoke who are undone by a set-piece, although it probably should not have been awarded as Higginbotham didn't foul Degen.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos is the man of the moment for Liverpool as he bundles the ball home from close range. Thomas Sorensen was at fault when spilling an Aurelio free kick. Anyone got David James' phone number?

GOAL FOR LIVERPOOL!

Pepe Reina is sporting a fetching grey roll-neck jumper under his kit. He looks ready to whip his shirt off and join in a poetry reading at the drop of a hat.

Tuncay drills the ball wide with a snap-shot from inside the box. The Turk has had a couple of half-chances now.

Kyrgiakos' attempts to re-enter the pitch are deemed premature as he is ordered back for more treatment on a cut.

Kyrgiakos is now penalised as the pressure begins to build on the visitors, just as it did at the start of the second half. The Greek defender needs attention on a facial injury.

Lawrence's delivery is cleared from the centre of the box as Stoke fail to take advantage of another set-piece.

Liam Lawrence takes the set-piece and his free-kick deflects off the wall and out for a corner.

Hopes that this game will improve in the second half have not increased so far, it must be said. But Mascherano gives away a free kick for a blatant foul on Dean Whitehead.

Mascherano attempts to unleash David Ngog with a ball over the top but puts too much on the pass.

It has been a fiesty start to the second half with both teams looking keen to make a mark. No chances as yet though.

KICK OFF Liverpool get the second half underway.

A late, late free kick for Liverpool comes to nothing and that is half-time. The Reds could well have had a penalty in a moment of controversy, but it has been poor fare otherwise. Not the worst 45 minutes for Liverpool though.

This has been fairly dismal stuff so far, without even as much as a shot on target for either side.

Etherington is penalised for pulling down Javier Mascherano and we will have three minutes of injury time, thanks in part to those two Stoke substitutions.

Diao's long throw is worked back to the midfielder but his cross poses few problems for the Liverpool defence and they clear their lines.

A pretty disappointing first half will be coming to an end soon but Liverpool will probably be content with how they have performed. Stoke have looked toothless, especially since Delap's departure, even if Liverpool have hardly been sparkling.

When Stoke do attempt to string together a flowing move, Etherington's dinked ball in for Wilkinson has a bit too much on it and it runs out for a goal kick.

A routine defensive header from Higginbotham back to Sorensen gets a round of applause from the home supporters. This bunch are obviously easily pleased!

Liam Lawrence receives a kick to the ankle on the far touchline and Stoke's big men lurch menacingly upfield. However, the free kick flies straight into the hands of Reina. A waste.

Emiliano Insua delivers a wicked cross on the volley to cap off a fine move from Liverpool, but there is no one attacking the ball at the back post.

Liam Lawrence wins a corner as Stoke look dangerous but Etherington's delivery is headed clear by Liverpool and the chance passes.

Stoke have the chance to break but their passing is too slow and they are forced back, before Thomas Sorensen belts the ball upfield. Disappointing.

Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio attempt to orchestrate a one-two down the left flank but the Argentine cannot collect the return pass and Stoke have a goal-kick.

Stoke are still looking to go over the top but while Mamady Sidibe is doing okay, they aren't creating anything outside of long throws and set pieces. Higginbotham and Diao have assumed the Delap role.

Benitez looks angry with the match officials following that Lucas incident. No doubt he will make a sneaky reference to the refereeing and then refuse to elaborate following the final whistle, as per usual.

Liverpool string together a nice passing move but when Ngog receives the ball on the far touchline, he cannot control and the momentum disappears.

Stoke do indeed make another change as Andy Wilkinson comes on for the injured Faye. Tony Pulis only has one change left now. Liverpool no doubt feel their pain after losing Torres and Gerrard in the Reading defeat in midweek.

Liverpool are furious after being denied a penalty! Lucas plays a neat one-two with Degen and goes down under contact from Higginbotham. He looked to be falling fairly easily and is booked, but that was a contentious decision.

Abdoulaye Faye is also hobbling but Stoke make the change with Lawrence replacing Delap. They may have to make a second shortly if Faye cannot continue.

Stoke have the edge in possession but Liverpool have relieved some of that early pressure. Meanwhile, Liam Lawrence is stripped off and ready to replace Delap. Bad news for the home side.

Worrying developments for Stoke as thrower-extraordinaire Rory Delap pulls up. However, he looks okay to continue. As long as his arms are okay, keep him on the pitch!

Hmmmm, now Mascherano produces a distinctly Javier Mascherano-esque ball over the top. That's more like it, nowhere near anyone.

Dean Whitehead gets in the way of a Lucas shot as the Brazilian takes aim from 20 yards out. The chance arrived after Dirk Kuyt crossed from the right.

Javier Mascherano plays a neat ball over the top for David Ngog but the Frenchman is ruled offside. That was a Xabi Alonso-esque pass, the exception rather than the rule for Mascherano though.

Lucas wrestles control of a long ball and gets his shot away but, as ever, Stoke's defence throw their bodies in the way and the effort is blocked. Squaring for Degen was a better option.

Now Aurelio tries one from closer in as his volley from the left-hand side of the box is deflected into the arms of Thomas Sorensen.

David Ngog whips in a low cross from the right but Ryan Shawcross is on hand to clear. That is the first glimmer of a chance for the Reds, aside from Aurelio's ridiculous effort from 60 yards of course.

Mamady Sidibe gets his head to it but Reina collects that one easily enough. There is no doubt that Stoke are looking to exploit the aerial route and why not? It has worked wonders for them here in the past 18 months.

Here is another Delap throw...

Reina is struggling with these Delap throws as he paws at another one. The ball pops up in the air but Huth cannot direct it in as Aurelio puts him off. That was fortunate for Liverpool and they look very vulnerable.

Martin Skrtel twice looks unconvincing when dealing with a high ball. Stoke will be very encouraged by that.

Pepe Reina comes and flaps for a Rory Delap throw, under pressure from Tuncay, and does just enough for Liverpool.

Huth belts the ball right into the wall and that is an opportunity spurned for the home side. How often do you see those smashed free-kicks go in? What a waste of time.

Lucas concedes a foul when hauling down the aforementioned Tuncay, with Robert Huth lining up a piledriver from 25 yards.

It is hardly a shock for me to report that there has been little real quality on display so far. Indeed, the player most capable of a moment of magic on this pitch is Tuncay Sanli, underlining the paucity of flair on offer.

Etherington delivers the set piece and after some messy attempts to clear, Liverpool get the ball away thanks to Lucas. Aurelio opts to shoot from his own half though, ignoring Mascherano who was charging through. Masch is rightly furious.

Matt Etherington embarks on a good run and gets away from Jamie Carragher, who is at right back today. Emiliano Insua heads behind for a corner.

It is already a thunderous atmosphere, but that is what you expect at fortress Britannia.

Meanwhile, Stoke reply with You're Not Famous Any More! Ouch. It's a quiet start from both sides.

KICK OFF Stoke get the game underway and the defiant Reds fans are indulging in a spot of You'll Never Walk Alone.

It seems a strange choice for Benitez to exile Babel from the squad just when he would be in contention for a start. A transfer must be imminent. Let's see if that decision backfires...

The players come out of the tunnel to a thunderous reception from the Stoke fans. It is quite simple today: Liverpool must produce a convincing performance, and win, otherwise the morning papers won't make good reading for Rafa.

If Liverpool struggle then they at least have options on the bench. New signing Maxi Rodriguez is there, as is £20m man Alberto Aquilani. Albert Riera is also an option if, as expected, Liverpool's midfield struggle.

Stoke are strong at home and will fight with every inch of their being. It remains to be seen how Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Martin Skrtel deal with Delap's long throws. They haven't convinced so far this season.

After being eliminated from the FA Cup by Reading, at Anfield as well, Liverpool find themselves five points off the Champions League places and a defeat today could be fatal. What's more, it looks very possible.

It was prior to this game last season that Rafa embarked on his famous 'facts' rant and, credit to the Spaniard, he spoofed himself yesterday. A touch of comedy cannot disguise the fact that his side are in real trouble though.

Welcome to our live coverage of Rafa Benitez's final game as Liverpool manager. Oops, I mean the chance for Liverpool to get their season back on track. With Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun out, it's a tough task ahead at Stoke.

Live updates will follow from 1230 GMT.