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Suarez Barkley Liverpool Everton
Luis suarez challenges Ross Barkley during the Merseyside Derby, November 23. Reuters

After the pulsating Merseyside Derby against Everton, Liverpool look for all three points when they visit Hull City in the English Premier League on Sunday.

The Reds have maintained their push at the top of the table quite impressively so far, with Brendan Rodgers clearly helped by the fact that his side only play one game a week. With the festive season approaching quickly, matches will come thick and fast though and how Liverpool cope with them will decide if they can keep themselves up there with the rest.

The first of many challenges in December begins on Sunday, but Liverpool will expect nothing short of three points against Hull City at the KC Stadium. "We know it's going to be a very difficult game," Rodgers said. "I'm delighted for [Hull manager] Steve Bruce. I thought he did an excellent job at Sunderland.

"When I came into the Premier League with Swansea, Sunderland were one of the first teams we played and I thought they were excellent. Unfortunately later on that season he lost his job. But he's showed his immense character when he went to Hull and got them promoted.

"Of the teams who have been promoted, they've done really well and they look to be heading on course to be a team in the middle of the table, so that tells you that it's going to be a very difficult game for us.

"But our confidence is high and out spirit is very strong at the moment. Even though it will be tough, we hope we can go and get three points. There's a good atmosphere in the stadium and they haven't conceded too many goals at home. They have Tom Huddlestone, who is a wonderful playmaker for them and they have some good players.

"Danny Graham is a player that I had at Swansea and he was brilliant for me in the Premier League year that we had. But we'll always respect them and their work, which has been very good."

Hull suffered a disappointing defeat last weekend to Crystal Palace and Steve Bruce knows the Premier League shows no mercy to any team with a game against Arsenal in midweek soon after the Liverpool clash.

"I've said it so many times now, but this is what the Premier League is," said Bruce. "Last week was the first time we've really had an upset because, without being disrespectful, we were expected to go and beat Crystal Palace and we didn't manage to do so.

"We've got these two games coming up now and we've got it all to do again. The beauty of the Premier League is that you know just around the corner is one of the big teams.

"The expectation on us in these next two games isn't as big, but whenever you play the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City live on the telly it's going to be a big occasion.

"We've played well in those type of games this season. We haven't managed to win any of them yet, but we've been in the game and we'll be looking for a performance like that on Sunday. We have to enjoy this challenge of being in there with the 'big boys' and taking them on.

"We had a disappointing time last week, but now with Liverpool and Arsenal coming up, let's meet the challenge head-on. Can we get something from these two games?"

Team news: Defender Paul McShane (hamstring) is ruled out for Hull, but centre-back Curtis Davies could be available after picking up a knock against Palace.

Liverpool have been dealt a blow with Daniel Sturridge, who scored the late equaliser in the 3-3 draw against Everton last weekend, a major doubt after rolling his ankle in training. "Liverpool Football Club can confirm Daniel Sturridge will be assessed by the club's medical staff today [Saturday] after the striker rolled his ankle in training," the club said in a statement on their official website.

Iago Aspas, Jose Enrique and Sebastian Coates are definitely sidelined.

Key men: Hull: Tom Huddlestone will be crucial to the home side controlling the game in midfield, with the former Spurs player also expected to create a few chances for his forwards.

Liverpool: With Sturridge unlikely to play, the onus will fall on Luis Suarez for goals and with the form that the Uruguayan is in, Hull could be in for a rollicking from the talented striker.

Where to Watch Live

The game is scheduled for a 7.30 pm IST start with live coverage on Star Sports 4 and Star Sports HD2. You can also catch the action via live stream online by clicking HERE. To watch the match live streaming in the U.S., click HERE. Viewers in the U.K., can click HERE. To catch the action in the Middle East and North Africa courtesy live streaming, click HERE.

Expected lineups: Hull: McGregor; Elmohamady, Bruce, Davies, Figueroa; Koren, Meyler, Huddlestone, Livermore, Boyd.

Liverpool: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Flanagan; Lucas, Gerrard; Henderson, Moses, Coutinho; Suarez.

Prediction: 2-0 to Liverpool