'Luis trebles bring back great memories'
As Luis Suarez goes in search of a third successive treble at Carrow Road on Sunday, memories of a famous hat-trick at Norwich City by a former Liverpool goal-getter immediately spring to mind too.
David Fairclough struck a magnificent treble in a 5-3 win over the Canaries back in 1980, a result which helped the Reds end the season as league champions as they clinched successive titles.
Bob Paisley's side won the league by two points ahead of arch-rivals Manchester United, with the clinical Fairclough registering a number of vital goals en route to the championship.
Heading into the clash at Carrow Road in February 1980, Paisley's charges required a victory following only one win from their previous four games.
Norwich made an incredible start when a hero of England's 1966 World Cup triumph, Martin Peters, fired the home team in front inside the opening minute of the clash.
However, Fairclough added his first of the game three minutes later to equalise, and the match was to develop into one of the most memorable fixtures of the season.
Fairclough recalled to Liverpoolfc.com: "It was very memorable for me because it was my first league hat-trick for Liverpool, so it's always special to do something like that.
"The day as it was is probably remembered best for a goal from Justin Fashanu than our impressive performance.
"It was a great game and Norwich had a good side. Carrow Road wasn't the easiest of places to go in those days.
"We went a goal down and went 3-2 up when I scored our first three goals. Fashanu then came along with this volley from the edge of the box which sat up perfectly for him to score a spectacular goal which was later awarded goal of the season.
"I had a chance just after that to grab a fourth but my effort was saved and it looked like a draw was going to be the end result, but Kenny Dalglish and Jimmy Case scored two late goals to give us the three points.
"It was a great win and we were delighted to get the three points.
"All points are crucial and it was a great time. We always felt we were the top dogs at the time but there were some great sides about. In those days most of the teams could offer us a good challenge.
"It was dubbed the game of the season and there were some goals that were quite pleasant on the eye. It was a great game to be a part of."
Fairclough scored more goals against the Canaries in a red shirt than any other side, netting seven in total during his illustrious Anfield career.
He added: "Steven Gerrard has scored a lot of goals against Everton, Ian Rush had that great record in derby games, and it was Norwich for me. You do find sometimes you have more luck against a certain opponent than others.
"Norwich was a good fixture for me and Luis is finding that these days as well. Nobody had scored a hat-trick for Liverpool at Carrow Road until Luis equalled my treble. That was great to see and it would be great if he could replicate that this Sunday."
And Fairclough insists he wouldn't be surprised if Suarez proves the scourge of Norwich yet again this weekend.
He said: "Luis is on an incredible run against Norwich and we hope that continues this weekend. The goals he got at Anfield in December were spectacular.
"I remember his stunning long-range effort and then the one from the edge of the box was incredible really, when he lifted the ball over the defender.
"Luis has just got that outstanding ability. When it comes to us judging Liverpool's goal of the season it will certainly be a Liverpool v Norwich fixture that provides the goal."
While Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool eye another priceless three points in their pursuit at the top of the table, Norwich lie two points outside the drop-zone in 17th place.
Former Everton winger Neil Adams recently replaced Chris Hughton at the helm, although they lost their first game under the new manager at Fulham last week.
Fairclough said: "It's a last throw of the dice really and I think Norwich succumbed to a little bit of pressure with the other teams around them picking up points.
"It didn't surprise me that there was a change in management but whether it was a wise time to do it you will only see that come the end of the season.
"We know Liverpool have the ability to score goals against anybody and there is a great deal of confidence running through the team.
"They are playing with so much passion and I think we go into every fixture thinking we are going to score a lot of goals.
"Scoring goals is something Norwich have been very short of and hopefully that will continue this weekend."
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Sunday's fixture will be the first time this season in a top-flight fixture that Rodgers is unable to call upon the services of Jordan Henderson, as the midfielder begins a three-game suspension.
Despite the absence of a player who has evolved into a pivotal part of the team's success so far, the Kop legend believes Liverpool have quality reinforcements itching at the chance to impress.
He added: "It will be interesting to see how we fair without Jordan. We have seen in times gone by, with the likes of Lucas when he wasn't in the team, people only then began to appreciate what a good job he did for the team.
"I think Jordan is appreciated and he has had an excellent season. This will be the first league game he has missed but we have two players in Lucas and Joe Allen who want to make some sort of statement between now and the end of the season.
"Lucas is chasing a place in the Brazil national squad and he would love to get into that. He was excellent when he came on against West Ham and we also have Joe, who has made some nice cameo appearances recently and has done very well.
"It's a good selection headache for Brendan but whoever gets the nod I'm sure they will add something to the overall team performance."