Burnley’s David Nugent should be fit to play despite nursing a tight hamstring that caused him to miss last week’s defeat at Sunderland.

Central defender Clarke Carlisle is expected to miss out after turning an ankle in training.

Liverpool forward David Ngog suffered a back problem in Thursday’s Europa League defeat by Atletico Madrid.

With Fernando Torres out for the rest of the season, Dirk Kuyt could play as a striker if Ngog misses out.

Burnley have occupied a relegation place for over two months and they could be relegated back to the Championship come Sunday evening if results conspire against them.

The Clarets have beaten Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham inside the last 18 months and would love to add Liverpool to that illustrious list, if only to delay the inevitable.

Brian Laws may have replaced Owen Coyle since those heady days but the squad remains intact. The simple question is whether they can rediscover how to upset the odds when it matters most.

It’s been a week of planes, trains and automobiles for Liverpool in their pursuit of Europa League glory. The Reds were on their way to their 17th league title when the film of the same name was released in November 1987, but have since won just one more crown.

The consolation of a place in the Europa League final remains in sight for Rafa’s men despite their 1-0 semi-final first leg defeat to Atletico Madrid. The return leg takes place at Anfield next Thursday.

Liverpool kicked off the season with hopes of a first league title since 1990. Those dreams have long since ended, as could their thin hopes of finishing fourth if results go against them this weekend.