Stoke must make home advantage count in Cup semi - Hughes

"We don't want to go to Anfield (for the second leg) no longer being in the tie. Our home form has been good. If we hit our levels, we can cause real problems," Hughes told a news conference on Monday.

Stoke must make home advantage count in Cup semi - Hughes

(Reuters)





"The key is we make sure we're very much in the tie and see where it takes us. We're really enjoying the anticipation heading into it."

Stoke lost 1-0 at home to Liverpool, then managed by Brendan Rodgers, on the opening day of the Premier League season when Phillipe Coutinho struck an 86th minute winner.

Hughes' men, one point and two spots below eighth-placed Liverpool in the table, have won four and lost four of their nine home league matches this season and their scalps include Chelsea, and both Manchester clubs City and United last month.

Stoke and Liverpool lost in the league at the weekend, City conceding a last-minute goal to go down 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion while Juergen Klopp's side were well beaten 2-0 at West Ham United.

"We're frustrated by the weekend's result. We went into the game in good form and we just dipped below what we are capable of," said Hughes.

"We can't be too disappointed. We look back and take it in perspective. We have a big game tomorrow to bounce back with.

"For us, it's a good time to play them (Liverpool) because we're at home and looking for a reaction."

Stoke are in the League Cup semi-finals for the first time since winning the competition in 1972.





(Reporting by Justin Palmer; editing by Ken Ferris)


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