Liverpool vs Boro

We should have picked something up in this fixture last season and if it wasnt for Mark Schwarzer’s comedy of errors we probably would have done. The game is also remembered because of Mascherano and Aliadiere having a little spat but only the Frenchman got sent off despite the Argie being the first to raise a hand.

The game should be tough for both sides having each picked up a win on opening day and therefore each team is full of confidence.

Vital Quotes:

Rafa Benitez (taken from liverpoolfc.tv): ‘My impression of Middlesbrough is that they know what they need to do, they are well organised, play good counter attack and Southgate is doing a very good job.’

Gareth Southgate told the Evening Gazette: ‘We know exactly what to expect from Liverpool. They have got a lot of quality in their squad, and they have special players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres we know we must keep under control. If we can do that, and defend as we as we know we can, then we will give ourselves a chance.’

Liverpool Team News:

Lucas and Javier Mascherano are both still unavilable due to Olympic duty over at Beijing. Ryan Babel has returned so may start whilst Sami Hyypia picked up an injury in midweek so is sidelined.

Player to watch: Fernando Torres

Scored 4 goals against us last season including a hat-trick at Anfield after Schwarzer cocked up on numerous occassions. Everyone knows what he can do, its stopping him that will be the toughest part of the game.

Surely the Spanish waiter cant leave him out as part of his rotation policy – can he? We can hope.

Boro Team News:

Mido and Mohammed Shawky have both returned from international duty so their fitness will be checked whilst Justin Hoyte could make his debut. If he does this would see him slot in at right-back, Wheater move to centre-back and Pogatetz move to left-back.

Player to watch: Stewwart Downing

Going to be hard to gain possession from Liverpool and then keep it so Downing will have to be on top of his game if the strikers are to get any service. Will be our main attacking threat and the key man when it comes to relieving the midfield of pressure.

Match Facts & Stats

This is Boro’s 500th Premier League game.

The last time Boro won at Anfield was 32 years ago, Terry Cooper and John Hickton both scoring in a 2-0 win.

Ref Watch:

Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)

Match Prediction:

1-1. I think we could get something from the game but it will be very tough. It is key not to concede early but i dont think we can shut them out completely.

Next Fixtures:

Boro – Stoke (H) 30/08/08
Liverpool – Aston Villa (A) 31/08/08