Liverpool go into this home encounter against promoted side Cardiff on the back of their biggest away win, and arguably their best performance of the season against fellow Champions League chasers Tottenham.
Luis Suarez found the back of the net twice as well as assisting the other three goals and Liverpool will have received a huge boost ahead of the game as the Uruguayan has signed a new contract committing his long-term future to the club.
Jordan Henderson also shone in the victory last week and is likely to retain his place in a Liverpool midfield still missing Gerrard with a hamstring problem.
Joe Allen and Lucas are also expected to start in an unchanged midfield.
Jon Flanagan opened his Liverpool account with a fine strike against Spurs and he will be looking to build on that with another start against Cardiff, especially with Jose Enrique still sidelined with injury.
Raheem Sterling should again be on the starting team-sheet after an impressive performance last week and in Daniel Sturridge’s continued absence, Brendan Rodgers seems to favour Suarez as the lone striker with two wide players.
Cardiff also have no fresh injury concerns of their own, however Craig Bellany could make an emotional return to a ground where he played at on two seperate occasions.
While Malky Mackay will be in charge of his side’s difficult trip to Anfield, it is unlikely that he will be in charge of any further Cardiff matches with owner Tan giving the boss an ultimatum of: “Resign or be sacked.”
It is hard to see past a comfortable home victory for Liverpool, especially considering the recent home form of the reds coupled with the knowledge that a win is likely to leave them table toppers at Christmas.
Luis Suarez will be looking for his 20th league goal in 12 games, which would require a hat-trick against Cardiff, however this isn’t inconceivable considering Suarez is probably the world’s most in-form forward.
Prediction: 3-0.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan; Lucas, Henderson, Allen; Coutinho, Suarez, Sterling.
Predicted Cardiff XI: Marshall; Theophile-Catherine, Caulker, Turner, Taylor; Whittingham, Medel, Mutch; Cowie, Campbell, Kim.
Betting Tips:
1.) Liverpool have scored 5 and 4 goals in respective home matches, so over 3.5 goals is well priced at 13/10. To follow Chris and bet with BetVictor, Click Here
2.) Luis Suarez is in scintillating form and for him to continue his form and score 2 or more is 7/4. To follow Chris and bet with BetVictor, Click Here
3.) With Liverpool rarely keeping clean sheets since the opening three games, both teams to score and a Liverpool win is at 2/1. To follow Chris and bet with BetVictor, Click Here
4.) Jordan Henderson had his finest performance in a red shirt last time out, which was capped off with a goal. For him to repeat the feat and Liverpool to win 2-0 is at 55/1. To follow Chris and bet with BetVictor, Click Here
