Tom McCarron: This'll be a test having seen all the contenders win yesterday, let's see what actual title hopes #LFC, external have. Character anyone?

Kuni Poonasamy: Thought a start for Sturridge ahead of Origi, who was poor in the derby

Stoke are digging in against waves of home attacks. Roberto Firmino is the latest to have a pop, steering a header towards goal that Lee Grant drops to save.

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on BBC Radio 5 live

That was too passive from Stoke defensively.

Walters closed down Milner but Henderson should have been closed down a lot quicker.

Liverpool win the first corner as Divock Origi's attempted cross is deflected behind. It is played short and worked to the edge of the box for Jordan Henderson to curl a shot over the bar. The home side dominating these early stages.

Image source, Getty Images

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on BBC Radio 5 live

That was an excellent ball from Mane. Could Firmino have really thrown himself at that ball?

Liverpool pour forward again but Sadio Mane's cross is just a yard or two ahead of Roberto Firmino in the box.

Image source, Getty Images

  App users may need to select ‘View more’ to see post.  

The Stoke fans get in an early rendition of Delilah to win the initial chant battle. Liverpool boss possession on the pitch, though. A cross-field ball into the box skips away from Georginio Wijnaldum and out of play.

The home side get us under way.

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger at Anfield

Against Everton it was not great to watch but the way Liverpool won the game in the last minute gives them momentum going into this game.

They looked solid defensively which is something we have questioned Liverpool about.

Mignolet looked solid, Lovren and Klaven played well and that has got to give Liverpool hope.

When Coutinho comes back from injury it will look a lot more positive going forward but these are the games they have to win.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte took a group of journalists out for a Christmas pint last week, we're asking which manager you'd take on a trip to the pub.

Alan Green
BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Anyone wary of Liverpool's title credentials might have thought again after Jurgen Klopp's team won at Goodison Park last week.

"They weren't at their fluent best, as easy on the eye as they so often have been this season, but that derby win was certainly dug out in a manner reminiscent of past champions, reminiscent of the current Chelsea side.

"True, this is another tough test. Mark Hughes' side rarely seems intimidated, no matter the quality of the opposition.

"And though Liverpool have had the better of recent results between the two, they'd do well to remember how the Potters won at Anfield in the League Cup last season, even if they finally lost that semi-final on penalties."

Image source, Rex Features

Here come the teams. We'll have a whole game of football for you very shortly.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes: "It is a challenge – in the Premier League every game is a challenge. We will have to hit good levels and acquit ourselves well. We will give it our best and see how we go.

"It is about the collective today – see if we can get our game going and cause them problems.

"All players want to return and show there is life after leaving big clubs and Joe Allen is no different. I’m sure he will get a good reception because he was popular here."

The England boss is here as well. He's not quite as jolly as Gerrard and McAllister, though. He's got business to take care of.

Gareth Southgate isn't the only one on a scouting mission. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has just taken his seat, sporting a snazzy flat cap. To be fair, this is not a good time of year weather-wise for the bald man. 

Image source, Reuters

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: "In this specific case, Daniel (Sturridge) is back. He had a few minutes in the last game, and a few more today, and the same for Emre Can. it made sense that we can stat with the same line-up.

"I cannot change the fixtures, I cannot change the importance of the fixtures. We're always a 100%. We want to do our best today and then we'll think about the Manchester City game and then we'll have a few minutes to think about the next game. 

"In the last few weeks they collected points like a top-flight team and that says all about their mental strength. it's not only Joe Allen, but of course he's a very important player for them. It's an attacking line-up, but I love challenges like this."

Stevey G and Gary Mac are here, suited and booted and having a good old laugh in one of Anfield's hospitality suites. It's good to be an ex-professional footballer.

Image source, Getty Images

On the back of the news that Antonio Conte took a bunch of journalists out for a Christmas pint, which manager would you most enjoy a visit to the pub with?

Trev: I'll take Mark Hughes out for cocktails followed by a cheeky Nando's. I'd even pay for his taxi home if he would just cheer up.

Steven Jenkinson: Klopp would definitely be up for a pint. Perhaps he’d try the OranjeBOOM! I’ll get me coat. 

Image source, Rex Features

We've had a Quo number already at Anfield. I suspect we'll be getting some Wham as well before the pre-game activities are over. The stands are filling rapidly as the players wind down their warm-ups. This was always going to be a sell-out.

Image source, Reuters

Lawro's predictions opponent for the Boxing Day fixtures is You Me At Six, external singer Josh Franceschi. Both of them got off to a good start, nailing the 1-1 draw between Watford and Palace. Lawro took the lead during Saturday's 3pm fixtures, though. 

Both have gone for a Liverpool win tonight, with Lawro predicting 3-0 and Josh 2-0.

Here is what our resident pundit had to say about the game at Anfield...

"I was at Stoke's 2-2 draw with Leicester last weekend and, when the Potters were 2-0 up, their shape looked pretty good with Joe Allen and Bojan behind Jon Walters.  

"But Mark Hughes's side still did not create many chances and, as soon as Leicester put them under pressure, they just cracked a little bit - they were even struggling to defend the crosses that the Foxes were putting into the box, which is very unlike Stoke.

"I may well have caught the Stoke defence on a bad day but I think Liverpool's movement and pace in attack will just be too much for them."