TONY PULIS today expressed sympathy for under-fire Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez . . . but warned his players to expect a backlash in the Barclays Premier League match at the Britannia Stadium.
Stoke City will face a Liverpool side missing at least three of their most influential players following news that Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun all face lengthy spells on the sidelines.
But despite the fact that Benitez's side have lost 10 of their last 20 games and went out of the FA Cup in a third round replay against Reading this week, Pulis knows that his side face a tough encounter if they are to build upon their recent home victories over York City and Fulham.
"Irrespective of who is or who isn't playing for Liverpool on Saturday, Stoke City will have to be right on the mark if we are to get something out of this match," commented City's manager.
"My only concern at this stage is that we are at the top of our game because make no mistake this is going to be a very difficult game for us and it's essential therefore that we are at our best."
He added: "You can look at it one of two ways, they may have had a bad result in the week and lost one or two key players which weakens them, but I am sure there will be a reaction. They're a side who have had their backsides slapped and Rafa will be looking for a massive reaction."
Pulis watched Liverpool's defeat at the hands of Reading and stated: "Ironically enough, I thought they responded well for the first 20 minutes after the break after losing Torres and Gerrard.
"I do have sympathy for Rafa. He has been very unfortunate with injuries to his big players because to lose the likes of Torres, Gerrard and Mascherano has been a massive blow.
"It's very difficult when you lose players of that stature, why even Manchester United have struggled this season. Never mind the departures of Ronaldo and Tevez, they have not been able to pick their first choice defence with Ferdinand, Vidic and O'Shea all sidelined for long periods.
"If you argue about the strength in depth of Liverpool's squad , then that is probably fair enough, but they still have some quality players there and they will be a massive test for us."
While Liverpool have a long list of injury problems, Pulis says he will make a last-minute decision on whether Turkish star Tuncay starts the game following a hamstring injury.
