After failing to get anything from Stamford Bridge on Sunday the Reds will now be looking to get the better of Hull at Anfield after Steve Bruce's side embarrassed the Reds earlier in the season. Hull have been playing some good football and Liverpool need to be careful in this fixture ensuring they respect the opposition.
Injuries for Liverpool have been increased but there are also some positives. Daniel Sturridge is expected to be back sooner than thought and Steven Gerrard will be subject to a late fitness test with a chance to start the game. The Reds have added Joe Allen and Mamadou Sakho to their injury list though and so Brendan Rodgers finds himself working with a thin squad.
For Hull, they are looking relatively strong with no new injury concerns aside from Robbie Brady who has a groin problem. Hull beat Fulham emphatically 6-0 in their last game and it is expected Steve Bruce will field the same side.
Hull are currently 10th in the league on 23 points. The Tigers have picked up 3 draws, 1 win and 2 losses in their last six matches. Most neutrals watching though will tell you that they were unlucky to lose against Manchester United and the other side they fell to was Arsenal.
Liverpool are placed in 5th on 36 points having won 4 out of their last 6 and going top for Christmas Day. The Reds however fell to rivals City and Chelsea away from home and so will be looking to get back on track again for 2014.
The last time the two sides met was at the start of December when Hull beat Liverpool 3-1 and Liverpool perhaps portrayed their worst performance of the season so far. It was definitely one to forget for Brendan Rodgers' side. The last time Hull made a visit to Anfield though, it didn't end so well for the Tigers. In September 2009 Hull lost 6-1 with Liverpool netting a hat trick via Torres, a brace from Ryan Babel and a goal from Steven Gerrard.
Stat Sandwich
- Liverpool have won their last 6 home games in the league.
- Hull have yet to win a Premier League match in January.
- The Reds have scored first on 14 occasions so far this season.
I must admit I am feeling a bit nervous for this game because it feels like one of those fixtures that could turn into a real slip up however I am remaining positive. Liverpool have been playing some cracking stuff and are also confident at home, I feel we have enough to get the better of Hull and we could really do with those three points.
I once again didn't get chance to ask you for your score predictions, you know how it is over Christmas and New Year, plans go out the window! Apologies again.
Enjoy the match folks, ring in the new year but don't get too trollied! Haha.