Liverpool travel to Middlesbrough for a mid-week Premier League encounter at the Riverside Stadium. We look at both sides’ likely XI.
After their 2-2 draw with West Ham United at the weekend, Liverpool will be hoping to put their two-game winless streak to an end against a Middlesborough side who experienced a 1-0 defeat to Southampton last time out.
Despite the solitary point at home against West Ham, Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to name an unchanged side for the journey to Middlesbrough – meaning that under fire goalkeeper Loris Karius retains his place ahead of Simon Mignolet.
However, the German manager has doubts over three of his first-team regulars.
Forward Roberto Firrmino is still managing a calf problem picked up prior to the draw against the Hammers, but is expected to play some part against Middlesbrough.
Midfielder Emre Can looks certain to miss the game, as a result of a clash of knees with forward Divock Origi in a recent training session.
While Origi is anticipated to start, defender Dejan Lovren is the third player who is an injury concern for the Reds.
After injuring his hamstring, centre-back Lovren was withdrawn at half time against West Ham and will face a late fitness test ahead of the clash against Aitor Karanka’s ‘Boro.
Liverpool will definitely be without the injured Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Marco Grujic.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough will be missing first teamers George Friend, Gaston Ramirez and striker Alvaro Negredo through injuries – although it is believed that all three are closing in on a return to action soon enough.
Karanka’s Middlesbrough are currently the lowest scorers in the Premier League, having scored just 13 goals in 15 games since their return to the top flight – whereas their Merseyside opponents are the league’s top scorers so far, with 37 strikes.
Middlesbrough are expected to field a 4-3-3 formation, with Jordan Rhodes continuing in attack in the absence of Negredo.
The only potential change from the line-up that lost to Southampton at the weekend is the possibility that Adama Traore may be afforded at stating slot, in place of Uruguayan Cristhian Stuani.
Here are the predicted line-ups for Liverpool and Middlesbrough in full:
Liverpool:
Middlesbrough:
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