After the Reds devastating loss away at Hull 3-1, Liverpool face the Tigers at Anfield this time around, While Hull City will be looking to consolidate on thier last win against the Reds, Liverpool will be looking to pull back there pride from the loss last time at KC Stadium.
However, Hull travel to Anfield on the back of a 6-0 victory over Fulham, while Liverpool need to restore their credentials after two demoralising away defeats.
There are more favourable fixtures on the horizon for Brendan Rodgers, but injuries are taking their toll and confidence must have been affected after dropping from first to fifth in two games.
The first home game of 2014 suddenly looks like one of the most important of the season so far as Liverpool try to keep in touch with the leaders.
They must stop Tom Huddlestone running midfield as he did when Steve Bruce tasted victory over Rodgers in Hull last month.
History states that Hull have never won a Premier League game in January, in seven attempts. Which could favour the boys from Anfield
So lets look at the Teams head-to-head:
LIVERPOOL:
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could make his return to action in the Barclays Premier League clash with Hull at Anfield on New Year’s Day.
Gerrard, who has missed the Reds’ last four games after sustaining a hamstring problem in a win over West Ham on December 7, has been back in training and his condition is being assessed ahead of the contest.
Joe Allen (abductor) has been ruled out for ‘a few weeks’ and Mamadou Sakho (hamstring) also looks set to miss a number of matches, but Jordan Henderson is expected to be fit despite feeling sore after Sunday’s defeat at Chelsea, while the on-loan Victor Moses is available again after being ineligible for the meeting with his parent club.
Liverpool (Possible, 4-3-3): Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Cissokho; Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson; Coutinho, Suárez, ,Moses.
Out: Allen (abductor), Flanagan, Sakho (both hamstring), Coates, Enrique (both knee), Sturridge (ankle).
HULL CITY:
Hull midfielder David Meyler (knee) and defender Alex Bruce (calf) could be in contention for the New Year’s Day trip to Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League.
The pair had both been doubtful for Saturday’s clash against Fulham but were unused substitutes as their team won 6-0 at the KC Stadium.
Midfielder Stephen Quinn (hamstring) and striker Sone Aluko (Achilles) have both been long-term casualties.
Hull (Possible, 4-2-3-1): McGregor; Rosenior, Chester, Davies, Figueroa; Huddlestone, Livermore; Elmohamady, Koren, Boyd; Sagbo.
Out: Quinn (hamstring), Aluko (Achilles)
STEVE MILNE’S PREDICTION?
Although Hull City have just come off a 6 -0 win, Fulham have not been showing the greatest of form this season, which made it easy for the Tigers to pounce, and Liverpool having been defeated away twice in a row, The Reds will be a much stronger team this week and especially at home they will be pulling out all stops to make sure they do not suffer a third loss in a row.
The return of Steven Gerrard will also strengthen Liverpools weak midfield
My prediction is a win to Liverpool 2 – 0
What are your thoughts on the game? Submit your predictions below 🙂
