The game is likely to have come too soon for Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany (calf), while the same can be said about Micah Richards (knee) who is edging closer to a return.

Brothers Kolo and Yaya Toure remain on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ivory Coast, meaning Roberto Mancini is unlikely to make too many changes.

Phillip Coutinho could feature from the bench on Sunday after completing his switch from Inter whilst Jose Reina (hip) is set to continue in goal after returning against Arsenal in midweek.

Andre Wisdom will probably continue at right-back despite the probable return of Jose Enrique, with Glen Johnson filling in at left-back despite his battles with a hamstring strain.

Martin Kelly (knee) is a long-term absentee, and is only expected back at the end of March.

• Luis Suarez is integral to Liverpool‘s goal output – he has 22 in all competitions, and his nearest team-mate is Steven Gerrard with just six.

• Steven Gerrard (pictured) is the only midfielder or striker to play every minute of every Premier League game this season.

• Liverpool have scored in their last 11 Premier League games, only Man Utd (12) are on a longer current run.