Rafa Benitez's side host Championship strugglers Reading at Anfield in a third round replay and with the Reds having already been eliminated from the Champions League and League Cup, as well as sitting well off the pace in the Premier League, the FA Cup could provide the perfect opportunity to salvage some success from a disastrous campaign.
Meanwhile, opponents Reading have problems of their own. The Royals are just two points clear of the relegation zone in the Championship and are without a manager since the sacking of Brendan Rodgers in December.
Caretaker boss Brian McDermott will again take charge for tonight's encounter and has vowed to attack Liverpool, continuing in a similar vain to that which saw them unfortunate not to beat the Reds in the initial match at the Madejski.
Whether Benitez will field a full strength side can only be speculated upon, but the notorious tinker man will certainly be without full-back Glen Johnson and Argentinean hardman Javier Mascherano, who both have knee injuries.
McDermott and Reading will have Jay Tabb back in contention for a starting berth, with the midfielder now fully recovered from a calf strain and despite fears over the fitness of goalkeeper Adam Federici, he will play. New signings Gunnar Thorvaldsson and Andy Griffin are ineligible.
Elsewhere Plymouth fans face the 'long old poke' to Newcastle for a replay of their own.
Argyle will be without top-scorer Jamie Mackie, who is ill, while Magpies boss Chris Hughton is again set to opt for a youthful cup line-up.
Alan Smith has recovered from an eye injury and may start, but midfielder Joey Barton is still out with a foot injury and won't be available for selection.
An away tie with fellow Championship side West Bromich Albion awaits the winners.
- Gareth Burton
Source: DSG
