Wigan Preview: Gerrard in fitness race

A rare 3 o’clock Saturday kick-off for the Reds at Anfield with Wigan the opponents as Liverpool look to continue their resurgent form under Kenny Dalglish.

The King will be hoping captain Steven Gerrard has recovered from a groin problem he picked up in the win at Chelsea last week which saw him miss the midweek internationals.

A late decision is expected on his availability.

There’s also a fitness doubt for Martin Skrtel (thigh strain) and Joe Cole (knee). Martin Kelly also withdrew from international duty with an ankle knock but should be fit to face the Latics.

Jonjo Shelvey is likely to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury and Andy Carroll is still missing with a thigh injury.

Luis Suarez is likely to make his full debut.

Lucas Leiva will make his 100th League appearance for the club.

It will be interesting to see if Dalglish sticks with the 3-5-2 formation that served the team well in their previous outings against Stoke and Chelsea, or if he reverts to a four man defence.