Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will have three players returning from injury in his squad.
Skipper Lee Cattermole (back), defender Nedum Onuoha and midfielder Bolo Zenden (both calf), will all be included after resuming full training, while Danny Welbeck could be handed a first start after his return from a knee injury at Arsenal a fortnight ago.
The game could come just too soon for striker Fraizer Campbell after his seven-month lay-off with a knee injury, while Michael Turner (also knee) is expected to return to training next week.
Craig Gordon is likely to be named among the substitutes as he continues on an exercise programme to address tendinitis in his knee, while David Meyler (also knee) is closing in on full fitness.
Liverpool are likely to field their strongest front pair of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.
Owing to Carroll's recent injury problems, the duo have played just 15 minutes together - in the 3-1 win over Manchester United - since both arrived in January.
However, the England international made his first start for the club in their Europa League exit against Braga, for which Suarez was ineligible, and the former Newcastle striker is likely to retain his place with the Uruguayan returning to the line-up.
Defender Daniel Agger may be fit, having missed the last four matches with a knee injury, but the Reds will be without captain Steven Gerrard (groin), defenders Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio (both hamstring) and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey (knee).
Sunderland (from): Mignolet, Gordon, Onuoha, Bardsley, Angeleri, Ferdinand, Bramble, Mensah, Muntari, Cattermole, Riveros, Henderson, Malbranque, Richardson, Elmohamady, Sessegnon, Zenden, Colback, Gyan, Welbeck, Noble, Knott.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Johnson, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Rodriguez, Carroll, Suarez, Kuyt, Cole, Gulacsi, Wilson, Agger, Flanagan, Poulsen, Ngog, Pacheco.
