TEAM NEWS
Henderson was substituted during last week’s win at Huddersfield because of a hamstring problem, while Keita remains out for the same reason. Liverpool must face Cardiff City without injured midfielders Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita.
Cardiff pair Harry Arter and Josh Murphy are nursing injuries and will be assessed. Gary Madine could return to the squad following a virus but Joe Ralls must complete a two-match suspension.
MOTD COMMENTATOR’S NOTES
@SteveBowercomm: Cardiff will have enjoyed this week much more than any other since their return to the top flight. Their long-awaited first win of the season against Fulham will have been a much-needed lift to spirits.
However, a trip to Anfield continues their tough introduction back to Premier League life. After it, they will have already faced all of the current top five this season.
Liverpool’s midweek Champions League swagger only acted as a reminder of Cardiff’s latest challenge, as does the fact Jurgen Klopp’s team haven’t been beaten at home in the league since April 2017.
To maintain pace with the champions, Liverpool cannot afford any margin for error in these fixtures.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Neil Warnock: “I’m really looking forward to meeting him – maybe not in the 90 minutes! He’s obviously, vocal-wise, very talented!
“He looks like a character, a very emotional and lively person. I saw the final period of the Championship last year and it was impressive how they did it. They deserved it.
“Cardiff deserve all our respect and they will get it.”
Cardiff manager Neil Warnock on the size of the challenge at Anfield: “It’s massive. It’s virtually impossible for any team in the current game. I think the front three is probably the best in the world.
“We’ve all got to play at the top of our potential to give them a good game and hope they have an off day.
“It’s a special place in football, a remarkable place, but I think we can go there and cause problems.”
LAWRO’S PREDICTION
Jurgen Klopp made a few changes for his side’s win over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday, but Cardiff have had the week off – they will be ready for them, and they won’t roll over.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- Liverpool have won the last four meetings in all competitions, most recently winning both clashes in the 2013-14 Premier League season.
- That run followed a five-match winning sequence for the Bluebirds from 1957 to 1959.
- Cardiff have won 11 of their 22 top-flight matches against the Reds, drawing two and losing nine.
Liverpool
- Liverpool could set an outright top-flight club record of 10 consecutive home clean sheets on Saturday.
- Liverpool’s win against Huddersfield last weekend was their first in seven matches against teams in the relegation zone (D2, L4).
- The Reds have lost just one of their last 45 home Premier League matches against newly-promoted teams (W35, D9) – against Blackpool in 2010-11.
- Alisson is looking to become the second Reds goalkeeper in Premier League history after Jose Reina to keep seven clean sheets in his first 10 starts.
- Mohamed Salah scored his 50th Liverpool goal in just 65 appearances for the club against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.
Cardiff City
- Cardiff claimed a first league victory of the season with their 4-2 win against Fulham last weekend.
- They scored as many goals in that match as they had managed in their previous eight league games this season.
- They could win consecutive top-flight fixtures for the first time since April 1962.
- Cardiff have scored just one goal in their last six Premier League away matches.
- Neil Warnock has lost all four of his away games as a manager against Liverpool, without his seeing his side score a goal.
Source: BBC News
