It’s all or nothing for Liverpool as we travel to Hull City, knowing only five consecutive Premier League victories will give us any chance of reaching the top four. That big task stars with a trip to the KC Stadium.
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Here are the five key battles that will decide the game…
5) Philippe Coutinho vs Steve Harper
Veteran goalkeeper Harper doesn’t have the fondest of memories of playing against Liverpool. The vast majority of you will remember Xabi Alonso scoring past the then Newcastle stopper from inside his own half. This time around, Harper will be up against another Liverpool star with a reputation for the spectacular. After coming close against West Brom at the weekend, and having already scored piledrivers against Southampton and Manchester City, might he fancy another one here?
4) Steven Gerrard vs Gaston Ramirez
Ramirez, a former Liverpool transfer target – at least according to The Metro – has not had the easiest time of things in English football. Uninspired during his first couple of seasons at Southampton and equally unimpressive so far this term with Hull. However, he made a decent impact coming off the bench against Palace last weekend and might just get a rare start here. He’s still only 24 and he has the quality in there somewhere. If Steven Gerrard anchors the midfield again, he could be up against the Uruguayan.
3) Jordan Henderson vs Tom Huddlestone
The battle of the two midfield engines, whose careers have gone in opposite directions over the last few years. Huddlestone, now 28, won the last of his four England caps in 2012, the same year Rodgers arrived at Anfield and began to transform the fortunes of the now regular for both club and country. Fresh off the back of signing his new long-term contract, Henderson will be desperate to make a big impression before the end of the season.
2) Raheem Sterling vs Michael Dawson
Another former Tottenham and England player, Dawson plays a vital role in keeping Hull’s defence playing at their best. He might not be as quick as some, while he’ll find it difficult to keep up with the likes of Raheem Sterling, but his influence on this team should not be underestimated. We must draw him out of position – most likely through the pace and power of Sterling and Ibe – if we’re to enjoy success in behind him.
1) Dejan Lovren vs Dame N’Doye
The Senegal international has made a big impact since arriving at Hull in the January transfer window, scoring five goals in ten league games, including a brace against Palace last time out. The former Lokomotiv Moscow forward will be looking to cause plenty of problems for Lovren, who finally looked close to a £20m defender against West Bromwich Albion last weekend. He’ll be desperate to continue that run of form and prove himself.
