The fixtures begin to arrive thick and fast as the festive period nears, with the visit of Wigan to Anfield just three days after defeat to Arsenal.
Liverpool find themselves going into the game in eight place following Birmingham’s win over Blackburn last night. A win here is essential if they are to go into the Christmas period with some much-needed confidence. The Reds travel to Portsmouth next for the early kick off on Saturday.
Rafa Benitez should have a full strength squad available after Fernando Torres returned to action in the defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
The pressure is definitely on Benitez with no excuses now he has a full squad available. All eyes will be on whether new boy Alberto Aquilani will be given his full league debut after playing 25 minutes against Arsenal.
The match will commemorate the 50th anniversary of former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly taking the helm at Anfield. A parade of former Shankly players will take place at half-time and the Scotsman’s favourite hymn Amazing Grace will be played. Shankly transformed the club half a century ago, his first game in charge being a 4-0 defeat to Cardiff on December 19th, 1959.
This fixture last season ended in a dramatic 3-2 win for Liverpool. Dirk Kuyt hitting the winner.
Betting Odds
Liverpool 1/3
Wigan 10/1
Draw 7/2
Tonight’s other fixtures
Burnley v Arsenal, 19:45
Chelsea v Portsmouth, 19:45
Liverpool v Wigan, 20:00
Tottenham v Man City, 20:00 (Sky Sports)
