Liverpool head to Stoke for Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League clash without three of their best players in the shape of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun.

Injury was added to insult in midweek when Championship strugglers Reading dumped the Reds out of the FA Cup at Anfield, with Torres (knee), Gerrard (hamstring) and Benayoun (rib) all picking up significant problems.

The trio join full-back Glen Johnson and midfielder Javier Mascherano on the sidelines for the trip to the Britannia Stadium (Stoke 11/4, the draw 23/10, Liverpool 5/6).

New signing Maxi Rodriguez should at least make the bench providing he receives international clearance in time.

The Potters will give Tuncay a late fitness test on a hamstring problem while manager Tony Pulis will hope to be able to call on goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen after a finger injury.

Stoke on Friday pulled out of a loan swoop on Portsmouth for former Liverpool keeper David James after the deal missed Friday’s noon deadline to be available this weekend.

If Tuncay scores first in the match, Totesport will refund all losing first goalscoring bets! See terms and conditions.