Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on BBC Radio 5 live

This is wide open and as Bojan threatens at one end, a Joe Allen pass launches a counter, it's Philippe Coutinho one on one with Ryan Shawcross... what a challenge. It's like Moore on Jairzinho at the 1970 World Cup. 

Shawcross stayed up and timed that brilliantly.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at The Britannia Stadium

Image source, Reuters

Liverpool are pressing Stoke City into submission and so far The Potters have barely had the ball.

The anxiety is showing on the face and in the body language of Stoke boss Mark Hughes, who has been prowling his technical area and gesticulating at his players to try and get some sort of control on the game.

Liverpool have come flying out and this has been an uncomfortable early spell for the home side.

Better from Stoke as Xherdan Shaqiri briefly threatens to get Glen Johnson in behind the full back but it's cleared. That was the first spell of possession the home side have enjoyed and it's taken 12 minutes.

Again Liverpool have the ball in midfield, Philippe Coutinho plays a one-two and tries to slip Adam Lallana in but there's too much zing on the pass and that's a goal kick. 

Coutinho got the winner here on the opening Sunday of the season of course. He likes the Potteries.

Image source, Reuters

The away contingent are audible at the Britannia. The Johnny Cash 'Ring of Fire' jingle is currently their choice of tune.

More good pressing as Roberto Firmino hounds the Stoke back four and the home side need to build some possession.

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Liverpool, all in black tonight, build through Dejan Lovren, to Philippe Coutinho, into Roberto Firmino, to ADAM LALLANA... great save from Jack Butland.

It had plenty of swerve on it and Butland was at full stretch. Great hit from 25 yards. I didn't know Lallana could kick it that far.

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Getty Images

"This could be a big season for Jurgen Klopp to get that first trophy under your belt, to maybe kick on for the next few years, it's a big statement to make."

Image source, Reuters

What a start by Liverpool. Philippe Coutinho jinks and weaves into the area but is eventually thwarted. Still they come forward, Roberto Firmino slipped in behind... corner off Philipp Wollscheid. Again it comes to nothing though as Joe Allen heads into the grateful hands of Jack Butland.

Wow, Stoke are on the ropes early on. No sign of a big punch though.

Alberto Moreno gets a little room down the left, head up he swings one in and Stoke are having to graft to clear... corner.

In it comes, Adam Lallana at the back post forces another corner which eventually gets slammed upfield and clear. A good start by the away side.

Image source, Reuters

Referee Anthony Taylor takes a blast on his whistle and we are off and running.

The play looks unsettled, the ball air-borne, but Roberto Firmino gets a little space and shoots straight at Jack Butland from range.

The players are out, Mark Hughes sits in his dugout, Jurgen Klopp stands with his usual smile.

A raucous atmosphere for sure. The early exchanges looks set to be feverish in this melting pot.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at The Britannia Stadium

The atmosphere and noise levels building at the Britannia as Stoke City prepare to play Liverpool in The Capital One Cup semi-final first leg - not that it needs much assistance.

Stoke's recent home victories against Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have really given these passionate fans the scent of Wembley.

Liverpool have had mixed fortunes here in the last few months, from a calamitous 6-1 loss on the final day of last season to a 1-0 win on the first day of this campaign.

Just to be clear, we cannot use the 'cold, wet night in Stoke' cliche tonight.

It's not warm, but it's not wet... yet.

The teams are in the tunnel...

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Which front three would you rather have?

Image source, .

The £47m change looks tempting.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes on Sky Sports:

"We would love this to be something we expect every season. Liverpool are a top side but we have come up against top sides in previous rounds and done well."

BBC Radio 5 Live

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates on BBC Radio 5 live: "I think this is the best squad we have ever had.

"We have some very talented players. We will never forget the job Tony Pulis did for us. I did feel it was time for a change for him and us.

"It has worked well for us and well for him. I don't get worked up by the style of football, all I want to do is win. It is about winning.

"Mark Hughes has done a great job for us. Because of his stature he is able to attract top players. Tonight's game is a big opportunity for us to get into Europe."

Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live by clicking 'live coverage' at the top of this page.