The fixture represents what could ultimately be the battle for fourth place come the end of the season, and with both teams having an identical set of results in their past three matches, it seems a three point haul for either side would represent an important achievement.
Lee Bowyer, Alan Shearer, Patrick Kluivert and Craig Bellamy are all expected to be fit for the clash, whilst Lauren Robert and Kieran Dyer are likely sidelined due to injuries picked up midweek
John Arne Riise is likely to return for the Redmen, with Chris Kirkland still out of action with a back problem. Neil Mellor and Sinama Pongolle will both be vying for the starting place up front, should Benitez start with just one up front.
