Liverpool did not live up to the hype after a tremendous performance last season, where they finished second in the EPL standings. They have been a major disappointment, as they even failed to qualify for the prestigious Champions League.
But, the Reds will want to finish the season on a high as they travel to Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City in their last EPL game of the season on Sunday. A win will help them finish above Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and also Everton, as Reds' can grab fifth place.
This is not what the Liverpool and the club's manager, Brendan Rodgers, had in mind when they started the season. Finishing in the top four and a silverware were two key targets.
The Liverpool players failed to deliver on a consistent basis with goal-scorers such as Daniel Sturridge being bogged down by injuries and other strikers such as Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli being below par.
But the Reds' players might be eager to give their best for Steven Gerrard, who will play his last game for Liverpool in Reds' colours. The Reds could not provide a perfect farewell at home for Gerrard at Anfield as they lost to Crystal Palace in their last game.
"I'm sure for Steven it's been a huge relief," EPL official website quoted Rodgers as saying. "Leading into your last game at Anfield, which has been his home for 17 years, there was probably a whole load of emotion in that last week for him.
"Unfortunately we couldn't get the result, our performance level wasn't what we expected, but I think the crowd and the supporters recognised the moment and gave him a great send-off.
"So I'm sure for him it's a huge sigh of relief and now - which he has - he can work well this week and concentrate on Sunday's game."
No team wants to lose their home game and Stoke is no different and might play spoil sport for Gerrard with a victory. Irrespective of the result, Stoke will finish the season in ninth place on the final day of the EPL.
"Liverpool have something riding on the game too; they could drop a couple of places if other results go against them, so they will be here knowing they have a job to do. We are ready for it though, and we want to go out there on Sunday and put on a show," Stoke manager Mark Hughes said.
But, things do not look great for Stoke up front as they will lack fire power in their home game with players such as Peter Odemwingie, Stephen Ireland, Peter Crouch and Jon Walters not fully fit ahead of their clash with Liverpool.
Despite Walters complaining about his knee, the player might lead the line for Stoke and goal-keeper Asmir Begovic is also expected to join.
As for the visitors, their only concern seems to be Mario Balotelli, who is currently injured.
Where to Watch Live
The EPL match between Stoke City and Liverpool is scheduled for 3pm BST (7:30pm IST, 10am ET), starting with live coverage in India on Star Sports 4HD in India. The game can also be watched via live streaming online in India on starsports.com
There is no live TV coverage for viewers in UK, but have the option of listening to the match audio on Talk Sport.
Watch the game live in the US on NBCSN; the action can also be live streamed online on NBC Sports Extra. Viewers in Spain can watch it live on Gol Stadium.
