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Having got back to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 win over West Brom, Liverpool will look to keep the pressure up in the race for the top four when they take on newly promoted Swansea on Saturday.
Back to back wins have made amends for a recent mini-slump in form that saw the reds record two draws in the Premier League while also losing to Rangers in the Europa League.
However a much needed goal from Andy Carroll and an early Charlie Adam penalty gave Kenny Dalglish’s side all three points against the Baggies, and the Scot will be targeting a positive result once more to keep in hot pursuit of the top four.
Stephen Gerrard continues to be a worry for his manager after the England international was ruled out of the game and the two England international friendlies that follow it with an ankle infection that has halted his comeback from a lengthy lay off.
Carroll is likely to keep his place in the starting line up alongside Luis Suarez, with Adam and Lucas in the middle of the park with Gerrard’s continued absence.
Swansea meanwhile have been perhaps the surprise package of the season as they continue to take to the Premier League like ducks to water. A loss to Norwich aside, Brendan Roger’s side have impressed and sit in 10th place having accumulated 12 points from their opening 10 encounters.
Their other defeats have come against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, and the Swans will be looking to register their first big win of the season against Liverpool.
Danny Graham has also impressed so far in front of goal, bagging four in his last five games. Graham will almost certainly start at Anfield and any chance the visitors have of taking points away from what will be a stern test of their resolve will likely come down to his clinical finishing.
Swans defender Ashley Williams has attracted attention from other clubs because of his outstanding performances so far this season, and is likely to be called upon in what will have to be a stout rear-guard action if his side are to emerge with any points.
A 3-1 win over a struggling Bolton side in their last game will have done wonders for their morale after a draw against Wolves and the loss against Norwich – although the target of three points from this weekend’s game set by Rogers may be somewhat optimistic.
Match Winner
Although Swansea may be quietly optimistic about winning on Saturday the bookmakers don’t share their confidence, and have placed the Reds as clear favourites for the game. Coral have the Reds at 2.75 (4/11) for the win while the Swans are best placed at SportingBet at 11.00 (10/1).
A draw, perhaps the best Swansea can hope for out of the game is at 5.50 (9/2) with Bet365.
First Scorer
Luis Suarez has already proved himself deadly in front of goal this season, and the Uruguayan will be seeking to add to his tally against Swansea. The former Ajax man is 4.00 (3/1) with Bet365 to open the scoring while his forward partner Andy Carroll is 4.50 (9/2) with BWIN, and would be a popular scorer in front of the Kop.
Danny Graham represents Swansea’s best hopes of opening the scoring, and odds of 13.00 (12/1) with VC Bet provides good value and may be worth a punt.
As penalty taker Charlie Adam always stands a chance of opening the scoring, and having done so against West Brom could well notch first again this time round. The scot is 10.00 (9/1) with Bet365.
Recommended Bets
Charlie Adam, first scorer: 10.00 (9/1) Bet365
Correct score, Liverpool 3-1 Swansea: 10.00 (9/1) Paddy Power
