Middlesbrough welcome Liverpool to the Riverside Stadium for a midweek Premier League fixture on Wednesday (14 December).

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is 7.45pm GMT. There is no live TV coverage in the UK. Catch the highlights on Match of the Day at 10.45 GMT on BBC One.

Overview

Liverpool have stuttered in recent weeks after a blistering start to the season and are now six points behind league leaders Chelsea. Jurgen Klopp's team have taken just five points from a possible 12 owing to a loss against Bournemouth and a draw with West Ham United.

The German coach is aware that his defence needs to be more solid when it comes to preserving their lead, but is confident they can get back to winning ways sooner rather than later. There are question marks regarding the goalkeeper with Loris Karius, the current number one coming under intense scrutiny for his role during their loss to Eddie Howe's side and their draw against the Hammers.

Klopp will have to make a decision whether to retain him in goal or reinstate Simon Mignolet, who has spent most of the last couple of months on the bench. Dejan Lovren and Emre Can are doubts for their trip to Riverside due to minor injuries which will see Ragner Klavan partnering Joel Matip at the back, while Wijnaldum will come in for the injured Germany international.

Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his team can get back to winning ways after dropping four points in their last two games Getty

Middlesbrough are hovering just above the relegation zone and have managed just five points from a possible 15 in recent weeks. They come into the game on the back of a 1-0 loss to Southampton at the weekend and will be hoping to take advantage of Liverpool's stuttering form, especially since they are playing at home.

Aitor Karanka will likely play a 4-5-1 formation with former Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo leading the line. Gaston Ramirez and Adama Traore will be the other attacking threats behind the Spanish forward, and the former Barcelona academy prospect's pace could trouble the Liverpool full-backs if they play on the counter as expected.

What Managers Say

Aitor Karanka [oon goal difference]: "We can't forget that last season we got promoted on goal difference. It's not about how many you score, it's about the goal difference and the difference we have now between us and the bottom three is massive," via BBC Sport

Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool): "We had two games which we should have won but we didn't, that cost us five points but it's our mistake, let's carry on, take the good things and sort the not-so-good things. We are a real good football-playing side but it is always about the balance of risk and protection. We need to be protecting, especially when you are in the lead there is absolutely no reason for taking the highest risk," via BBC Sport

Betting Odds (betfair)

  • Middlesbrough to win: 17/12
  • Liverpool to win: 2
  • Draw: 27/11

Team News

Middlesbrough

Probable Line-up: Victor Valdes; Antonio Barragan, Calum Chambers, Ben Gibson, Fabio; Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw; Adama Traore, Gaston Ramirez, Viktor Fischer; Alvaro Negredo

Liverpool

Probable Line-up: Loris Karius; Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan, James Milner; Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana; SadioMane, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino

Premier League