Liverpool take on Stoke City in the Premiership clash of the day on Saturday with Potters’ new boy Peter Crouch facing his old club.

After his £10m move from Tottenham, beanpole Crouch will have a point to prove against the Reds when he makes his debut.

Liverpool will also have new signings Craig Bellamy and Sebastian Coates in the squad but both are likely to only make the bench.

Midfielder Lucas Leiva said ahead of the match: “We know how difficult it is to play against Stoke, especially on their own ground.

“They have a physical game and big players, and their set pieces are always really difficult to defend. We have to go there ready to fight, try to play football and win.

“A lot of big clubs go there and can’t win, but it will be a very good test for us to see how we cope with this type of team.”

Elsewhere in Saturday’s late kick-off Manchester United travel to Bolton hoping to keep up their 100% start to the new season with a win at the Reebok Stadium.

“They have done exceptionally well in their first few matches but it is early season,’’ Ferguson said of his current team.

“We have a long way to go and there are difficult games ahead. That is the kind of league we are in.

“The experience of handling these situations has been important to us over the years and it will apply itself again this season.’’

Although United is the early pacesetter, doubts have been raised about the start goalkeeper David de Gea has made in England, conceding three goals in three games.

“Every game that comes around for him is a new experience,’’ Ferguson said. “West Brom was a difference experience for him and he actually did pretty well, despite not getting much protection from the referee, which was disappointing.’’

Elsewhere Manchester City, who’s chairman Garry Cook quit on Friday over an email storm, face Wigan. Chelsea travel to Sunderland while Arsenal host Swansea City.

In Saturday’s remaining fixtures Everton face Aston Villa at home and Tottenham travel to Wolverhampton.

Sunday’s fixtures match-up Norwich and West Brom while Blackburn travel to Fulham. Monday nights only game sees QPR host Newcastle United.