Liverpool v Norwich City, Premier League: Preview, Probable Teams

Liverpool host Norwich City on Saturday 19 January, with the Reds looking to recover from last week's defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United. Brendan Rodgers' men are eighth in the table with 31 points and must improve drastically if they are to qualify for UEFA Europa League football next season.

The Canaries are looking for a boost as well, after a string of disappointing results in the Premier League. Chris Hughton's side are 12th with 26 points and will be aware that any more dropped points could see them slip dangerously close to the relegation zone.

The reverse fixture, at Carrow Road, resulted in a thumping 5-2 win for Liverpool, with Luis Suarez scoring a hat-trick.

Where to Follow Live

Kick-off is set for 3pm GMT. Live radio commentary is available on BBC Radio Merseyside.

Overview

Liverpool were in good form before last weekend's 2-1 defeat to United, having won four times in five games prior to kick-off at Old Trafford. That defeat, however, showed just how much ground the Reds still have to make up on the Premier League's top sides; Rodgers claimed otherwise.

Overall, the Anfield club continue to be inconsistent, with poor performances against Stoke City and Aston Villa resulting in defeats and dropped points they cannot afford. Rodgers has won three of the last five games in all competitions and will need to continue winning games if he wants to ensure European football next season.

The good news for this match is that Uruguay striker Luis Suarez likes playing against the Canaries; the South American has six goals in the last two fixtures against them and will likely add to that tally on Saturday.

The better news for Liverpool fans is Rodgers finally has more than one striker to choose from, for the first time in many months. Suarez could be partnered either by new signing Daniel Sturridge or summer recruit Fabio Borini, who has recovered from a broken leg. Given Sturridge's start to his Liverpool career (two goals in two appearances), it would appear Borini might have to wait for his chance.

Liverpool are in decent form at home, with five wins and three draws in 11 games. With Suarez in such fine form, goals are more or less guaranteed. Of course, it helps that Norwich have conceded 21 times in 11 away games... only Fulham, Southampton, Newcastle and Villa have conceded more.

Meanwhile, Norwich have now gone two games unbeaten, ending a horrid run of four straight defeats and five in six games. They beat Championship side Peterborough United comfortably last week, advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup in the process.

That was followed by a goalless draw at home to Newcastle; not an ideal result given their points situation but better than another defeat. Norwich will be under pressure this game, with an away record that features only one win in 11 games. Five of the remaining ten have been defeats.

Team Form

Liverpool

• Last Five Matches (all competitions, most recent first): L W W W L
• Last Match: Manchester United 2 - 1 Liverpool

Norwich City

• Last Five Matches (all competitions, most recent first): D W L L L
• Last Match: Norwich City 0 - 0 Newcastle United

Team News

Liverpool: Jon Flanagan (knee) joins left-back Jose Enrique (hamstring) and defender Martin Kelly (knee) on the injured list. Italy striker Borini started from the bench against United and played a role in the second half but is unlikely to start this match, particularly with Sturridge in goalscoring form.

Probable Line-Up: Reina; Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Gerrard, Lucas, Allen; Sturridge, Suarez, Sterling

Norwich City: Norwich will hope to have striker Grant Holt, who came off the bench against the Magpies, available to start this match. In addition, Jonny Howson (illness) is also likely to return. Unfortunately, Steve Morison (leg), Andrew Surman, John Ruddy and Steven Whittaker (all knee) are unavailable.

Probable Line-Up: Bunn; Martin, Turner, Bassong, Garrido; Snodgrass, Tettey, Johnson, Pilkington; Hoolahan; Holt