Revenge, not only for the Tottenham defeat the other day, but also for last season’s poor results against Stoke. Two 0-0 games contributed into giving Manchester United the title… No, I want revenge, big time.

Liverpool FC-Stoke City

It was not very fun to see Liverpool play against Tottenham. I was so excited going into the game, but then, to see such a weak performance from such a brilliant team, it is just… frustrating.

However, we should probably put this behind us. Tonight at 20.00 Liverpool face Stoke City at Anfield, and at the return to our castle I want to see goals. Having Fernando Torres up front is always convincing, but I am afraid that only he, Steven Gerrard, and Dirk Kuyt are able to deliver. Sure, Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel are attacking players, but we cannot put the title challenge in their hands. No, I would so have wanted to see an offensive force brought to Anfield this summer. Much like Wigan seem to have found the perfect man (Hugo Rodallega, scored a screamer in his debut), Liverpool bought just an injured Italian while loosing Xabi Alonso.

Hopefully, though, Glen Johnson will go forward a lot, to give some cover up front. Emiliano Insua as well, and Insua will this season kick both Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena away from Liverpool (at least from the starting eleven).

Insua!

Martin Skrtel might not be eligible after his and Jamie Carragher’s knock against Tottenham, Daniel Agger’s back injury still will keep him from playing for at least two-three weeks, and Alberto Aquilani we will see nothing of the nearest month. I can see the following line up starting: Reina; Johnson, Insua, Carragher, Skrtel; Lucas, Mascherano; Kuyt, Benayoun, Gerrard; Torres. Note here that if Skrtel cannot play, we will probably see either Daniel Ayala or Martin Kelly! Both born 1990! Note also that Benayoun probably replaces Ryan Babel, who was invisible against Tottenham. Lucas Leiva keeps his starting position after a decent game, and so does Insua.

Shawcross – a player to keep in mind.

We have to watch out for Stoke’s attacking threats, e.g. Dave Kitson, but at the same time try to beat the defensive forces, mainly Ryan Shawcross (earlier rumoured to be targeted by Rafael Benítez) who scored against Burnley in the first round.

Benayoun!

Tip? A win! Note like last season. Say, 2-0 to Liverpool, minumum. Hopefully Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both score, since I have them in my fantasy league team… Also, I would like to see Wayne Rooney score for Manchester United against Burnley (I have him as well), but of course to see Manchester United get problems. Everton hopefully rises up after the humiliating 2-6 defeat against Arsenal, having both Leighton Baines and Joleon Lescott in my fantasy league team.

My fantasy league team for the second round: Friedel; Lescott, Hangeland, Vermaelen, Baines; S. Larsson, Cana, Gerrard, Denilson; Torres, Rooney.

Wish me and Liverpool good luck!

Sincerely yours,