Liverpool vs. Middlesbrough: Key Issues That Will Shape Capital One Cup Game

Liverpool host Middlesbrough in the third round of the League Cup on Tuesday, with Brendan Rodgers' side seeking to recover from two straight Premier League defeats.

Usually, these games would be an opportunity for the manager to rest key players and give his fringe players an opportunity.

However, after three defeats in their opening five league games, plus a last-gasp opening Champions League win over Ludogorets, Rodgers' side could use some consistency and a morale boost ahead of the Merseyside derby on Saturday.

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Add in the lengthy injury list that the Merseysiders have to contend with and Rodgers' desire to win a trophy this season, and it's quite likely that a strong XI will be lining up against the Championship side.

"I want a trophy this year," outlined Rodgers in pre-season, as per The Daily Mail. "I want the club to win the big trophies again. That’s what I said to the players. The expectancy this season is continual improvement. We want to win. To be successful is winning trophies."

The League Cup, currently branded as the Capital One Cup, represents one of the best opportunities to win a domestic trophy, so Rodgers won't be taking it lightly—even with the added involvement of Champions League football this season.

Rodgers' Choices

With Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen, Emre Can, Jon Flanagan and Glen Johnson all currently sidelined, Rodgers' options, particularly in midfield, are somewhat limited.

Steven Gerrard needs a rest—three games in the last week have certainly raised questions over his longevity in the Liverpool side. The 34-year-old struggled against West Ham after starting against both Villa and Ludogorets in the last week.

With Allen and Can out, Lucas will anchor the midfield, while Jordan Henderson will be asked to start, too. Philippe Coutinho should return to the side, another player in need of finding some form.

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Upfront, Rickie Lambert will make his full debut for the club, having made four appearances all from the bench so far for his new club. Rodgers confirmed prior to the defeat to Aston Villa that Lambert would start against the north-east club.

Who joins Lambert in attack largely depends on which system Rodgers opts for; a midfield diamond or 4-3-3. In either of those, it's highly likely fellow new signing Lazar Markovic will also start the game.

Liverpool's Goalkeeper

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A League Cup early-round tie to lower-league opposition is usually an opportunity to rest your No. 1 goalkeeper and give your deputy a game. However, given Simon Mignolet's questionable early-season form, Rodgers may well decide to give the Belgian the nod and seek to restore some confidence and build understanding with his defence.

Rodgers last week outlined what Mignolet needs to do to improve his game. "I think the key thing, and the message to all the players in that situation, is to make sure you are on the front foot" said Rodgers, as per The Guardian. "He’s a bit of a laid-back type of person in his personality, but I think he’s aggressive [as a goalkeeper].”

With Chris McKenna of the Daily Star linking Victor Valdes with a move to the club next month, Mignolet needs to find form fast.

Liverpool's Centre-Backs

With Liverpool's defence looking far from stable—one clean sheet in their last 12 games—Rodgers may use this tie to try to build some much-needed defensive stability.

Thus far, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren have each failed to impress in the opening weeks of the campaign. Rodgers appears to favour Skrtel and Lovren as a partnership and so he could play both of those and Mignolet.

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However, Kolo Toure is waiting in the wings and would usually expect to start such a game as the club's backup centre-back.

At full-back, we should see Jose Enrique get his first start for the club since October 2013. Options at right-back are limited due to Johnson and Flanagan's injuries, and so Javier Manquillo—who was hauled off after a torrid opening 20 minutes at West Ham—should start.

Issues

These issues are what will decide the game, one which Liverpool are expected to win, but which Middlesbrough will fancy their chances given their opponents' poor form. 'Boro have won their last three Championship games and moved up to fifth in the table.

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If Liverpool opt for a strong XI, it's make or break—either a much-needed confidence boost or further damage to what is already a fragile defence.

A goal for Lambert on his full debut would certainly boost morale around Anfield, while a clean sheet would certainly be welcomed. Neither will come easy, though. The Reds must be at their best or Aitor Karanka's side will add further misery to Rodgers' side.