Liverpool ready to take unbeaten league run to Cardiff

Liverpool will be ready to capitalise on any slip ups made by the sides either side of them in the division when they take on Cardiff City in South Wales on Saturday afternoon.

With leaders Chelsea hosting third place Arsenal in Arsene Wenger’s 1000th game in charge of the Gunners earlier in the day, the Reds, who are unbeaten in the league in 2014, will either be able to close the gap on themselves and the Blues if they drop points, or indeed pull clear of the Gunners should there be a home win at Stamford Bridge.

Also, they will be only to aware of the fact that, if Jose Mourinho’s men do not take all three points, they will return to the top of the table with wins both on Saturday, and at home to struggling Sunderland on Wednesday evening.

The Reds’ other title rivals, Manchester City, could also be in first place by next weekend if the three sides above them drop points and they record victories, first at home to Fulham then over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

With Mamadou Sakho declaring himself fit midweek; Jose Enrique is manager Brendan Rodgers’ only injury worry, with the Argentine still some way off a recovery from his knee problem.