Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is hoping the carrot of a place in England's World Cup squad can spur on two key players during the coming weeks.
Bruce has urged in-form striker Darren Bent and defender Michael Turner - both of whom were overlooked in the latest international squad - to prove a point to Fabio Capello and book their places on the plane to South Africa.
Strong showings against title challengers Liverpool would go some way to showing Capello he was wrong to omit them from the recent games against Ukraine and Belarus.
Speaking about the 2-2 draw with Manchester United before the international break, he said: "If Mr Capello is looking for players, then he must have been impressed with Michael Turner and Darren Bent.
"Whether they can break in now to a World Cup squad, who knows? There's still six months to go."
Bent has made most of the headline with his seven goals from eight games taking the Black Cats up to eighth place in the table.
Kieran Richardson is suspended after his late red card at Old Trafford two weeks ago, while Lee Cattermole is a doubt with an ankle problem.
Meanwhile, Liverpool arrive in the north east looking to salvage their faltering title hopes.
The Reds' 2-0 loss at Chelsea before the international break was their third defeat in the space of just eight games this season and they are already six points off the pace of the league leaders.
Another defeat would likely end their title hopes before season has even reached its halfway point and that would increase the pressure on Rafa Benitez.
Benitez's preparations have not been helped by injury concerns surrounding key duo Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt during the international break.
All three are doubts for the trip to the Stadium of Light but Alberto Aquilani (ankle) and Andrea Dossena (knee) will definitely miss the trip.
"It is difficult to prepare, but that is the nature of the game," said assistant manager Sammy Lee.
"I think this is the third international break of the season already and it's something we've got to live with. We're not unique in this and other clubs have got the same problem."
Source: DSG
