Relegation-threatened Cardiff City have no choice but to try and defeat in-form Liverpool if they are to stay within touching distance of their relegation rivals. Meanwhile, the Reds further closed the gap behind leaders Chelsea as they hammered arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford and are now in the search of sixth consecutive league win.

Bad time to be facing Liverpool

It is now clear that club’s decision to sack Malky Mackay was a bad one as there has been almost no improvement under new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Having picked up just four points from last six Premier League fixtures, the Bluebirds six three points behind safety, with all their relegation rivals apart from Norwich also having a game in hand. And with the match against red-hot Liverpool next, it is perfectly clear the hosts have little to hope for. Everyone can see that team’s latest performances are not good enough to warrant Premiership survival, with even the 3-1 triumph over Fulham achieved thanks to set piece goals and a smile from the Lady Luck. Cardiff have now won just two of last eight matches on home soil, and it is not realistic to expect the team can rediscover their home form against star-studded Liverpool side. The Bluebirds have some players within their ranks who can cause problems to opposition defenders, but their shaky back line cannot be trusted to do the job against the likes of Suarez and Sturridge.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no fresh injury worries, but the likes of Ben Turner, Andrew Taylor and Mark Hudson remain on the sidelines.

Stunning form

If there was anyone who didn’t believe Liverpool have what it takes to mount a serious title challenge, their opinion has probably changed following impressive away triumphs over Southampton and Manchester United. Chances are it was the 5-1 victory over title rivals Arsenal that made even the players believe they can go all the way this season. The Reds have since enjoyed hard-fought wins over Fulham and Cardiff City, showing a lot of character in the process, before away triumphs over Saints and Red Devils saw them close the gap behind Chelsea to just four points. And with Liverpool having a game in hand on the Blues, and playing both Chelsea and City at Anfield, they could be forgiven for thinking they can win the title. Brendan Rodgers’ charges will be feeling confident going into the Cardiff City clash after hammering arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, and I am pretty sure the Reds will not be becoming complacent any time soon when they have a historic opportunity to win the Premier League trophy.

Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho have returned into action, meaning Jose Enrique is the only unavailable player at the moment.

Verdict

Cardiff have failed to show they can match the best sides in the league and with the Bluebirds going through a very rough patch, I seriously doubt they can put a dent into Liverpool’s title bid. The Reds, on the other hand, are playing the best football of the season and another comfortable win on the road appears on the cards.

Top pick: Liverpool/Liverpool   1.95 (19/20) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 1: Suarez to score   1.72 (8/11) @ Unibet

Alternative pick 2: Liverpool to score three or more   2.30 (13/10) @ Sportingbet