Liverpool vs Middlesbrough

23/2- Liverpool are having a comparatively disappointing season this time as they are far away from the top teams and are trying to fight it out for a spot in next year’s European competitions. Currently on the 5^th spot on the points table, the side seems to have lost the winning habit and have not been able to do anything significant in the last 10 matches played. Liverpool have won just three matches while they have lost a couple of matches while 5 ended as draws. One major reason for their low ranking is their performance at home, which has been nothing but disappointing. They get a chance this week to try and improve on the record at home and also try and ensure a place in next year’s European matches as they take on Middlesbrough at home this week. Though on the twelfth spot the visitors are in decent form as they have won 4 of their last ten matches while have been defeated thrice. The previous encounter between the sides earlier this season had produced a 1-1 result while Liverpool had travelled to Middlesbrough.

The home side would be expected to deliver on field and the crowd support will be tremendous. They managed to get a draw against a team of the calibre of Chelsea last week, playing away from home would suggest that the players are in decent nick but it is just that finishing ability which is missing. In the absence of Torres it would be left to Gerrard to deliver and the crowd would be hoping that their ever dependable does not let them down this time.

Middlesbrough whereas are trying to sneak through to the top half of the table and after a win last week against Fulham they would like to put up a fight against Liverpool and get some points from this away tie.

Prediction: 1-0, Liverpool win