Chances were few and far between with both defences very much on top in a disappointing encounter as Stoke secured a second goalless draw with Rafa Benitez's men this season.

Stoke had the better of the limited opportunities with Rory Delap seeing a shot crash off the crossbar early on and Glenn Whelan clipping the post with a free-kick from the edge of the box in the second half.

Steven Gerrard came closest to scoring for the below-par visitors when he saw his free-kick wide on the left come back off the crossbar and his late effort clip the post and a long range piledriver hitting the bar, just before half time.

Dirk Kuyt should have done better in the eighth minute when he sent a free header wide of the post following a cross from Albert Riera.

It was a good chance for Kuyt to add to his seven-goal tally but he was left frustrated.

Stoke hit back and should have taken the lead in the 13th minute when Liverpool failed to clear a high, hopeful ball from Amdy Faye.

Rory Delap found himself clear on goal inside the six-yard area but only succeeded in blasting a shot against the underside of the crossbar and Richard Cresswell failed to take advantage of the rebound.

Liverpool responded in the 22nd minute and Kuyt's effort was beaten away at the post by goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.


Tomorrow's Action :

Wigan vs Tottenham

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Mallorca vs Real Madrid