Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has conceded that his side have to pull off an improbable victory away at Liverpool if they are to keep alive their Premier League survival hopes.
The Potters edged a step closer to the drop on Sunday afternoon by playing out a 1-1 draw with Burnley at the bet365 Stadium, leaving them four points adrift of safety after playing a game more than 17th-placed Swansea City.
Stoke are now winless in 11 matches and have just three games remaining to preserve their top-flight status, with England international Butland acknowledging that draws will no longer be enough to keep his side up.
"We need wins. It's a kick in the teeth," he told reporters after the Burnley draw. "We tried everything and we're not getting the results we want or the luck of the draw. The time for talking is done, we have to keep fighting. We had a 1-0 lead and we have to defend that.
"It's emotional for everyone and a tough time of year. We're all trying to do our bit. For 24 hours, sulk if you want, but then we have to go again and go to Anfield. I'm not going to sugar-coat it, we have to go there and win."
Stoke follow up their trip to Anfield with games against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace and Swansea.
Daniel Lewis
