As Liverpool prepare for their Premier League clash at Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon, we take a quick look at what the fans are talking about this morning…

Liverpool in £6.5m swoop for Martin Skrtel
There’s slight worry about how long it’s taking to finalise the Martin Skrtel deal. It is understood that the Slovakian international defender has passed a medical and agreed personal terms, but the deal won’t be confirmed until Liverpool can confirm the £6.5million price tag he carries. Another case of George Gillett and Tom Hicks slowing things down?

hesbighesred: I’m starting to worry ever so slightly. This guy could be a really important signing…I’m very pleased that it’s one for the future too.

Hyppia as 4th choice for another season, teaching Hobbs in the cups etc until Hobbs can take over that spot…which he is pretty much ready for…looks very encouraging - or does when Skrtel is finalised anyway!

TIME AND MONEY - Why Liverpool are behind their rivals
Also on the agenda for fans is the divide in supporting Rafael Benitez. Sure, fans are losing patience with him and his strange decision making during games of late, but there are some good cases for his backing. Time and money being one…

tettehsrafalution: One thing to note is that Wenger’s net spending in recent times has been wonderful because he has had THE TIME to reap the benefits of his youth policy. Since Rafa has not had this TIME, the fair comparison should not include Arsenal since their policy started a decade ago, and they are now reaping the rewards of the scouting and youth recruitment that Wenger put in place as soon as he arrived. Rafa is just laying these seeds, so perhaps in 6.5 years (if Rafa is still around) we may see Liverpool’s net spending shrink as we begin to reap these rewards.

Riise_is_Ace: I am in agreement Tetteh, these yanks have done NOTHING for us that we haven’t been doing for donkey’s years. Even with buying Torres we have not spent significantly more than we have done any previous years.

We need £50mil speinding to challenge for the PL title, if we don’t spend it we won’t win it. End of.

Middlesbrough vs Liverpool Pre Match
And looking forward to Saturday’s away trip to Teeside, the fans are discussing the selection possibilities for the starting eleven. But surely, that’s anyone’s guess?!

donks: This is a big test for Rafa due to the pressue he is under.If he cant get a reaction from his players there is something seriously wrong.I expect to see commitment,aggression&passion and a high tempo game.If the players dont respond now when the manager is clearly in trouble I think it signals the end for Rafa.

Lets pick the strongest team available and have a real go dont over complicate things with his tactics,take the reins off and let the players attack have a go and entertain us…

As yes all know I’m not pro-Rafa but if proves me wrong il be very happy to eat humble pie!!!

Discuss these topics and plenty more with other Liverpool fans in the This Is Anfield forums.