When Hull travelled to the Reds in December 2008, Phil Brown's side were riding the crest of their unpredicted, blistering start to life in the Premier League.

But this season the Tigers are struggling and are on a wretched run of form which has seen only two league games won from 28 outings.

That statistic stretches back to 2008/09 when Brown's men avoided relegation on the final day to add to the criticism of the manager, who saw his side hammered by Everton in the Carling Cup in midweek.

There have been calls for the Tigers boss to be sacked, leading chairman Paul Duffen to label fans who have suggested such an act is necessary as 'pathetic' and 'despicable'.

Thriller

Liverpool would, therefore, expect a more enjoyable afternoon compared to the meeting on Merseyside last year, a thrilling 2-2 draw as Hull blew a two-goal lead in the first half.

But the title-chasing Reds, who found home draws crippling last season, are also under pressure as two league losses have already added tension to every fixture.

However, League One table-toppers Leeds were defeated by a hard-working performance at Elland Road on Tuesday to give Rafa Benitez reason to be positive.

Captain Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres dropped to the bench in midweek and will return to the starting line-up, while Glen Johnson should also be in the first XI.

Martin Skrtel was also rested and should partner Jamie Carragher in the centre of defence, while Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun are expected to start as Liverpool bid to stretch a run of five straight wins in all competitions.

Rehabilitation

Fabio Aurelio returned from injury against Leeds, but Daniel Agger did not feature as he recovers from a back problem, while summer signing Alberto Aquilani is still rehabilitating from an ankle operation.

Hull welcomed back George Boateng for the meeting with Everton at the KC Stadium, but the midfielder was substituted at half-time and it remains to be seen if he will feature against the Toffees' neighbours.

Craig Fagan missed out against Birmingham in the league and was an unused substitute in midweek so could earn a start if Brown wants to make changes.

Youngsters Liam Cooper, Nick Featherstone and Tom Cairney all started against Everton and will be desperate to remain in contention for the trip to Anfield.

Anthony Gardner (knee), Steven Mouyokolo (hamstring) and Ian Ashbee (knee) have been sidelined by injuries, while Jimmy Bullard is about one month short of returning from knee surgery.

Possible starting XIs

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Mascherano, Lucas, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres.

Hull City: Myhill, Dawson, Sonko, Zayatte, McShane, Kilbane, Hunt, Olofinjana, Geovanni, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Ghilas.