'I'd love to have Lucas and Kelly'

Halfway through the season so far - how would you rate Stoke's performance?

If I had to give us a score, I'd say 6.5/10. It was always going to be a period of serious transition given the new manager and his preferred way of playing, which is totally alien to most of the players currently on our books. We've had some serious beatings but the goals against column doesn't always tell the story of a team that historically, under the previous regime, hadn't even attempted to win a game away from home. The most promising aspects of the season to date are that intent and the manifestation of that in the team selections and positivity on the pitch - using and displaying the kind of flair and freedom the fans aren't used to.

What is your assessment of Mark Hughes since he took charge?

I've personally been very impressed despite being less than enthused when his name was first mentioned. His interviews are positive and a world away from the talking up of the opposition and the 'we're lucky to be on the same pitch' attitudes of previous seasons. He doesn't shy from expectation and, despite some dodgy results and performances, I think he's on track in this difficult period of transition for the club in his goal of establishing the side in the top 10.

How are Stoke likely to line up on Sunday? Will you adopt an attacking approach?

Absolutely, you will see a 4-2-3-1 with either Adam or Ireland as the furthermost midfielder and, given your man Oussama Assaidi can't play against his parent club, you'll see Marko Arnautovic most likely given the nod over on the left. I expect that you will come here to attack, which means the game should be nice and open with us almost playing on the break. It will certainly be a less rigid side that you will see this time around.

Who should Brendan Rodgers be most worried about in the Stoke side?

It could be any number of players; Ryan Shawcross is in form at the back, Geoff Cameron equally so from right-back with his marauding runs. In midfield we have the composed, if not temperamental, Steven N'Zonzi, who has frustrated the likes of Yaya Toure this season, and if Charlie Adam plays he'll no doubt have extra incentive to impress against his former club. I've already mentioned Arnautovic, who is an exceptionally talented player but one who is struggling for consistency; he's a different prospect to Assaidi and tormented Manchester United's defence at Old Trafford earlier in the season. Up front, of course you will most likely come up against Peter Crouch, who is always a threat from set-pieces. 

You have a number of on-loan and former LFC players in your ranks - how well have they performed for you?

I'd suggest it's a mixed bag. Crouch and Adam came in courtesy of Pulis but neither have really settled in either his or Hughes' system, despite each often scoring crucial goals. Then there is Pennant - he was amazing in his first season with us and played a huge part in our run to Wembley and into Europe, but he's struggled to have the same impact the last couple of seasons and, having only signed a 12-month deal in the summer, I'd expect him to leave at the end of this season. Assaidi is the man of the moment, though, and has done very well for us having managed to get an extended run in the side. He looked lightweight and nervous on his first few appearances, rarely taking his man on, but game time and confidence have seen him start to look like the player in those jaw-dropping YouTube compilations and he's reaping the rewards of the faith shown in him by Hughes.

As an outside observer, how impressed have you been with Liverpool this season?

Very. I think for the first time in a long time you're serious title contenders and have profited well from big change around the top four. You're an exciting team to watch, which hasn't always been the case, and appear to have that right level of grit and flair and your movement at times is mesmerising. I guess the only thing you don't have in your favour is the experience of a title race with the current crop of players, so the latter stages of the season will be very interesting indeed.

Let's say Luis Suarez aside, which Liverpool player would you most like at Stoke?

We've been crying out for a Gerrard-style player for years so he'd be my obvious choice, but that seems too easy. I'll be a bit more thoughtful and say that I'd love to have Lucas and Martin Kelly, who stick to their roles brilliantly and are good at them. They're not headliners but each would greatly improve us and add to the team we have.

Any good advice for Reds fans travelling to the Britannia Stadium?

Just enjoy yourselves. Respect the locals, sing your hearts out and don't be too downhearted when you lose! There are plenty of places for a drink near the ground so no need to venture into the city centre. I'd also bring plenty of layers as the Britannia is a wind tunnel that can get arctic-like conditions with very little encouragement.

What's your prediction for the match?

As I say, it will be a different game from us than you are used to but then you're a different Liverpool team these days too. I think it will be an open match between two teams who want three points (as daft as that sounds). I'm going to go for a score draw of 1-1.