Liverpool look to extend their winning streak beyond 10 games, but they face a Norwich side who are just two points away from the dreaded drop zone.
The Canaries will hope to make this game count because a resurgent Fulham side are tapping on their shoulders.
This fixture has been the Luis Suarez Show at Carrow Road in recent times. It all started in April 2012, when Suarez scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 away win for Liverpool. The goals included a famous 45 yard chip that embarrassed goalkeeper John Ruddy.
The Uruguayan followed that with another hat-trick on September 29 when Liverpool left with a 5-2 win.
Suarez has also blown away the Canaries at Anfield with nine goals in his last two home games against them, which includes the reverse fixture to this match.
This game looks set to follow that trend, with Suarez likely most likely going to take the centre forward position.
Daniel Sturridge is likely to miss out after limping off with a hamstring injury in last weekend’s victory against Manchester City.
Jordan Henderson will also be out as he starts a three-match ban for his straight red card against City.
The Canaries will at least be glad that they have their squad virtually intact. Only Sebastian Bassong is a doubt, but the defender is likely to recover in time to regain his place at the heart of defence.
Leroy Fer is another player who should start despite a recent injury problem. Gary Hooper will probably pip Ricky Van Wolfswinkel to start as the striker.
Both teams have had their season defined by the abilities of their centre forwards. While Liverpool have concentrated on outscoring their opponents with three goals or more in eight of their last 10 games, Norwich have failed to score in all their last three games.
Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen are the duo most likely to replace Henderson and Sturridge in Liverpool’s starting XI.
They may not reproduce the recent offensive quality of the pair they will replace, but they also bring their own strengths.
The Reds will start with only one striker, so they will be less dangerous in theory, yet possess one of the most complete centre forwards in world football, so Suarez will be as difficult to mark as two players.
Brendan Rodgers’ side will also be stronger defensively with Steven Gerrard set to form a double pivot alongside Lucas.
If the Canaries are to get a result in this game then they need to concentrate on defending well; they still have an experienced defence in front of a good goalkeeper, so if they defend well then they can commit players on set pieces.
The game looks set to be a cagey one but Suarez’s fairy tale should continue.
