Cricbeat

Liverpool will return to the site of their first league loss of the season as they return to the Britannia stadium to take on Stoke City in the fourth round of the Carling Cup. Both sides will be looking to avenge their weekend performances, Liverpool were held at home by Norwich while Stoke lost to Arsenal at the Emirates stadium.

Team News: Stoke City's former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is nursing a hamstring problem and is a doubt to face his former club. Fit-again Danny Higginbotham could play for the first time since April, while Jonathan Woodgate hopes to return after three games out with a calf injury.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas is available after suspension while fit-again defender Daniel Agger who came on as a late substitute in the weekend draw against Norwich may start on Wednesday.

Head-to-head: Liverpool have won 62 and Stoke 28 of the 123 previous matches between these clubs. Stoke have failed to score in six of their last nine games against them.