Brendan Rodgers’ side could register their third consecutive victory in the Premier League for the first time this season, while Gus Poyet’s men sit two points above the drop zone

Philippe Coutinho is in contention to face Sunderland on Saturday as Liverpool look to record their third straight win in the Premier League.

The Brazilian missed Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City with a knee injury but Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the midfielder should be fit for the fixture at Anfield.

Jose Enrique is also available after missing Liverpool’s midweek win, though Rodgers is treating the Spaniard’s long-term knee problem with caution.

“We are having to manage Jose and his games, but he has trained and should be available for the weekend,” said the Liverpool manager.

Mamadou Sakho also returned to training on Thursday, but Liverpool are still without strike duo Daniel Sturridge (thigh) and Mario Balotelli (groin).

Liverpool, who finished second last term, have yet to register three successive wins this season and currently sit eighth in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have won just twice this season and a goalless draw at home to Chelsea last Saturday was followed by a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Manchester City on Wednesday.

“We are going to have to refresh the team because there are a few heavy legs, so it is going to be interesting and I’m looking forward to the game,” Sunderland boss Gus Poyet told Sunderland’s official website.

Adam Johnson and Wes Brown come back into the frame after missing Wednesday’s clash and Poyet will be hopeful that the latter can recover from a knock to take the place of centre-back Sebastian Coates, who played against City but is ineligible to face his parent club.