Back to back defeats to title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea saw Liverpool slip to fifth in the overall standings, meaning the Reds desperately need to kick off 2014 with a victory.

Their opponents Hull City continue to impress in England’s top flight with their spirits sky high after the 6-0 hammering of Fulham.

Just ten days ago, Liverpool were sitting at the Premiership summit following the impressive run of results, but how quickly things have changed for the Reds.

In all fairness, Brendan Rodgers’ side did fairly well in high-profile matches against Manchester City and Chelsea considering the circumstances, but they in turn slipped to fifth after narrowly losing at both Etihad and Stamford Bridge.

The good news is they are still within touching distance of their title rivals, meaning next few games could be crucial for the Reds.

However, there was more cause for concern on Sunday after several players picked up knocks against Chelsea, so odds of 1.30 (3/10) offered on Liverpool to defeat Hull City do not look too tempting.

Having failed to score in last two matches, Luis Suarez is priced at 1.44 (4/9) to increase his goal tally to 20 or more.

The Uruguayan was one of the players to visit the treatment room on Sunday, together with Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen and Mamadou Sakho, but only the French defender has been ruled out for the visit of Hull.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Mignolet – Johnson, Skrtel, Toure, Agger – Henderson, Lucas, Allen – Sterling, Suarez, Coutinho.

It is now perfectly clear that Steve Bruce is doing a marvellous job with Hull City, who had been seen as one of the main candidates for the drop before the season started.

The Tigers not only impressed in games against direct relegation rivals, but they also held their own against some of England’s best sides, and they certainly don’t look like they will go down this term.

A five-match winless run did threaten to ruin the bright start to the season, but Steve Bruce’s men produced a perfect response, having recorded a 6-0 triumph over relegation-threatened Fulham.

And with Hull City already beating Liverpool this season, away win could be worth a shot at odds of 12.00 (11/1) offered at Paddy Power.

There are no fresh selection worries for Steve Bruce, but Robbie Brady, Sone Aluko, Stephen Quinn and Joe Dudgeon remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): McGregor – Bruce, Chester, Davies – El Mohamady, Huddlestone, Livermore, Meyler, Figueroa – Sagbo, Graham.