Middlesborough vs Liverpool, 7:45pm, not on UK/IRE TV

5starpool

Liverpool have won 1 from the last 4 and could do with a win which will take them level on points with Arsenal in 2nd. The Riverside though is not a good ground for Liverpool with the last league win there coming in 2002, although the last one was a few years ago now and none of the current players or coaches will have been there for a game before with Liverpool, except maybe Lucas.

This has home win written all over it though, and not just because of the poor goals conceded the last 2 games for Liverpool, but it is the type of game that all Liverpool teams have struggled with over the last number of years. It should have no bearing on this game, but still things seem to stay the same.

Boro haven't conceded many, and despite being 16th, have the 4th best defensive record. They haven't scored a lot either, but could be expecting that to change tonight.

If Liverpool play well though, they win this game, so I'll still be optimistic despite the above, and go for 1-2 as my prediction.

Vicxas

I think this will be tough, they are a hard nut to crack defensively.

BullBlackNova

I feel like this has 0-0 or 1-1 written all over it.

As you say, the type of team Liverpool consistently struggle to break down and Middlesbrough have done well in a lot of their games against bigger sides, even if the results haven't always followed.

Liverpool need the points big time after two poor results and with Arsenal dropping points they can go level ahead of what now promises to be a killer Merseyside derby on Monday.

I'm going to say 1-1. Origi to put Liverpool ahead inside the opening 20 minutes and a Karius clanger to let Boro back into it just after half time. A frustrating last 40 minutes or so as Liverpool resort to long shots and Middlesbrough bring on Adama to try catch us on the break.

It almost feels like I've read the script to this one...

Obviously no team news yet but Lovren and Gomez have travelled with the Liverpool squad and are taking part in light training this morning according to Liverpool Echo journalists on Twitter.

Harry Palmr

No chance of Gomez actually playing short of a genuine in game emergency you have to think.

Origi will hopefully be pushed to the left flank and try to make the most of Firmino central.

Boro like to play ball. I reckon after them seeing the success west ham & Bournemouth had they'll have a go.

They aren't at all clinical up front.

I reckon they'll play to suit us, we should score at least a couple IMO.... all depends on if they get lucky or not.

Fancy firmino to score, he's due a goal.

8-10

Firmino deserves a rest to be honest, looks like he needs it

Riesen_Meal

This is on NBC Sports Live tonight for those of us migrating to the US for 90 mins later....

Update : also on Bein Sport's 7 if anyone is passing via Abu Dhabi...

K-9

I'd take a 1-1 tbh.

Can still doubtful?

Utopia Parkway

8-10 wrote: »

Firmino deserves a rest to be honest, looks like he needs it

Not going to get it though given the injuries to other attackers at the moment.

paulie21

https://twitter.com/AnfieldExpress/status/809075958384918528

Knex*

Queue a Mignolet howler so :pac:

5starpool

Interesting if true. We'll find out in less than 2 hours I guess.

cj maxx

Pool to get back on track . 0-2

eagle eye

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Not going to get it though given the injuries to other attackers at the moment.

Is Ojo back yet? He is a talented young lad and deserves an opportunity if he is fit.

Knex*

eagle eye wrote: »

Is Ojo back yet? He is a talented young lad and deserves an opportunity if he is fit.

He's back training, yeah, so hopefully should be back around the first team again soon.

Agent Coulson

I wonder what failed manager Gary Neville will have to say about Karius being dropped.

MD1990

Traore will be a big threat for Middlesboro

paulie21

Mig, Clyne, Lovern, Klavan, Milner, Henderson, Wij, Lallana, Mane, Firmino, Origi

ricero

The lack of matip has me scuttering myself

5starpool

The Liverpool bench isn't too inspiring. I don't think Klopp really wants to piut the likes of Woodburn or Ejaria on in the case where we need a goal, so there are not really any attacking options unless Lucas/Stewart come on to free others to go further forward.

Think Boro will get something. Liverpools squad is very stretched at the moment and form is poor

Osmosis Jones

Anything but a win here is a huge problem.

Matip being out is a worry again, he's our best defender by far.

mada999

good start... couple of poor crosses already... need to be making them count... i think we need a couple more options inside the box...

good run in by bobby but he wasnt seen

BorneTobyWilde

Liverpool win this and there will be 3 pts added to their total on table.

Osmosis Jones

Middlesbrough look the more attacking team so far.

8-10

Going to be one of those nights. Boro are getting forward a bit in fairness to them, but when we have the ball the bus is firmly parked. Need some Firmino or Lallana magic I feel

8-10

Our pressing isn't great tonight either.

Harry Palmr

What pressing? It's half speed - everyone is saving themselves and it's a disgrace.

Osmosis Jones

Too much messing around the box, everyone wants to pass it, if we don't shoot we can't score.

8-10

Trying to walk it in

Ugh

8-10

Boom. Floodgates now please

Osmosis Jones

Lallana's a star, and an actual chance creates from Clyne.

mada999

Finally... GREAT cross good an... Clyne... that's more like it son....

good finish from Lallana !!

now dont let it slip

NukaCola

Lallana!

TitianGerm

Lads hes upped his game so much since Klopp came in... Fair play to the lad!!

Harry Palmr

Now they'll screw it up

NukaCola

This ****e starting now....

Osmosis Jones

That's a very good save from Mignolet

Pyjamarama

Milner having a mare so far.

BorneTobyWilde

WHAT A SAVE !!

tinpib

Simon doing well, his confidence must be growing too.

NukaCola

Yea, good man Mig....

Osmosis Jones

Origi does very little to knock the defender over there, far too much protection from the ref

Harry Palmr

Osmosis Jones wrote: »

Origi does very little to knock the defender over there, far too much protection from the ref

I get annoyed that players fall into the trap set for them so often

Osmosis Jones

Traore's very good at falling over

Osmosis Jones

So unlucky, great work from Mané and Origi

bur

Hednerson's low percentage passing in the final third is maddening.

tinpib

Lovely ball by Derek there

Osmosis Jones

I feel like Henderson's been a passenger here. He's taking so long to release the ball every time he gets it and isn't exactly breaking up Boro's play. He's waiting to spot a long ball rather than just playing it quickly.

niallo27

Solid enough. Traore the only really threat they have going forward. I just can't see a clean sheet

Dick phelan

We need another, defensively we're too weak to get away 1-0 playing decent Mane doing really well