From Madrid to Middlesbrough! On the back of our fantastic win at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Reds are brought back down to earth this weekend in the League with a trip to the North East, and the Riverside Stadium.
Fernando Torres has been ruled out with the ankle injury which forced him off against Real Madrid in midweek, and full-back Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to miss the match.
Torres’ absence should be somewhat lessened by captain Steven Gerrard’s return from a hamstring injury. If Gerrard does return, he is likely to line-up alongside Dirk Kuyt up front, with Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera continuing to occupy the wide spots in midfield.
The other option available to Rafa is to bring Ryan Babel in attack in order to offer some pace up front.
If Arbeloa’s injury is confirmed, Carragher is likely to deputise at right back with Hyypia or Agger coming in alongside Skrtel. The other option there is youngster Stephen Darby.
The left-back spot also isn’t clear, with Fabio Aurelio not always used twice within a week, meaning Insua or Dossena could come in.
Kick off on Saturday is 3pm. Stream links will be available via our forums.
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