Liverpool's title hopes were dealt a hammer blow without them even kicking a ball on Wednesday night as rivals Manchester City overcame Manchester United at Old Trafford to move back above Jurgen Klopp's side at the top of the table.
It is now a three-game shootout between statistically two of the best teams the Premier League has ever seen, and Liverpool have the opportunity to strike first when they host relegated Huddersfield Town on Friday night.
On paper it appears to be the ideal fixture with which to respond to Man City's derby victory, but the Reds must be wary of letting their focus drift to next week's Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona.
Here, Sports Mole looks at how the Reds could line up against the Terriers.
Out: None
Doubtful: Fabinho (head), Adam Lallana (muscle), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (fitness), Dejan Lovren (illness)
> Click here for Liverpool's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match
Only a win will do for Liverpool on Friday, but it still appears to be an ideal opportunity to rotate and keep players fresh for the Premier League considering Huddersfield have lost their last seven matches.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane could be among those to be given the night off, with Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri and Daniel Sturridge pushing for starts in the front three - although Roberto Firmino was afforded a rest in the Champions League recently and so appears the most likely of the front three to retain his place.
Fabinho was only on the actual field for one minute against Cardiff City last weekend before being forced off with a head injury and will not be risked on Friday, with Georginio Wijnaldum set to continue his deeper-lying role.
James Milner came off the bench to make sure of the points in South Wales and could start in this one, with Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson competing for the other midfield spot.
A lot depends on the extent of Klopp's desire to rest players, with Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno possible beneficiaries should he make wholesale changes.
Joe Gomez is expected to be given minutes from the start following his recent return from injury, and he could replace either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Joel Matip in the starting XI.
Barney Corkhill
