Problems at the back for Pulis

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has defensive worries ahead of the Barclays Premier League trip to Liverpool tomorrow night.

Captain Ryan Shawcross is ruled out through suspension while Danny Higginbotham has a hamstring problem.

Full-back Andy Wilkinson has a back injury so Marc Wilson could come in, but Danny Collins is expected to return at left-back. Asmir Begovic could return in goal despite Thomas Sorensen impressing in the FA Cup win against Wolves.

Provisional squad: Begovic, Huth, Wilson, Delap, Etherington, Whitehead, Jones, Sorensen, Faye, Collins, Pugh, Whelan, Pennant, Walters, Carew, Fuller.