Nothing but three points will do for Liverpool if they are to keep their title ambitions alive during their trip to Brighton in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.
The Reds can shave the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to just three points with victory over the Seagulls, whereas defeat or a draw could prove fatal to their hopes of domestic glory.
Jurgen Klopp's side have been imperious in the top flight of late, putting together a run of six consecutive wins including a battling 1-0 victory over West Ham last Saturday.
But there were concerning reports emerging from Anfield on Friday as tensions ramp up between club chiefs and talismanic goalscorer Mohamed Salah, whose agent appeared to hit back at Klopp following his pre-match press conference.
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Salah, 29, has just over one year remaining on his contract and months of negotiations have not brought him any closer to extending his stay.
His on-pitch performances this season have been sublime and he leads the way in the league with 19 goals in 25 appearances while also chipping in with 10 assists.
Despite the growing uncertainty surrounding his future, Salah is expected to keep his spot in the starting XI to face Brighton.
Luis Diaz may return to the line-up after he was benched against Inter Milan on Tuesday and Roberto Firmino could mark his return from injury with a start at No. 9.
In midfield, lynchpin Fabinho could be supported by Naby Keita and club captain Jordan Henderson, both of whom came off the bench in the Champions League clash with Inter.
No changes are expected to the defence which started against the Italian giants, with Joel Matip chosen to partner Virgil van Dijk as Ibrahima Konate recovers from a knock.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson - two of Klopp's most important players - are all but certain to get the nod at right-back and left-back respectively, ahead of No. 1 Alisson in goal.
While Konate is facing a late fitness test, Liverpool have no other fresh injury concerns after Klopp simply declared "he's back" while discussing Firmino on Friday.
Other options who could feature in the attacking trident include Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane, with Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino providing further depth.
Brighton, meanwhile, are expected to be without defender Adam Webster but winger Jeremy Sarmiento and midfielder Enock Mwepu could return to the matchday squad after recovering from thigh injuries.
Liverpool predicted line-up to face Brighton (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Keita, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.
