Middlesbrough vs. Liverpool: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info

Three points for Liverpool are vital against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday if they’re to keep pace in the 2016-17 Premier League title race.

The Reds have dropped points in their last two matches, as they toiled to a 2-2 draw against West Ham United at Anfield on Sunday. It means they’re now six points back on league leaders Chelsea, who have showed no signs of slowing down after winning their last nine games in a row.

As for Middlesbrough, they need a positive result to keep distance between themselves and the relegation zone. Head coach Aitor Karanka’s men are in 16th place heading into Week 16, although there are just three points separating them and 18th-place Swansea City.

Here are the viewing details for what’s set to be a key match at both ends of the table, the team news for both sides and a closer examination of how this one will pan out.

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 14

Time: 7:45 p.m. (GMT), 2:45 p.m. (ET)

Live Stream: NBCSN (U.S.)

TV Info: NBC Sports Live (U.S.)

Team News

Middlesbrough: Alvaro Negredo was absent for Boro’s loss to Southampton on Sunday, although he’s expected to be fit enough to play a part in this one. Gaston Ramirez is also a doubt for the home side.

Likely XI: Victor Valdes; Antonio Barragan, Calum Chambers, Ben Gibson, Fabio; Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw; Adama Traore, Gaston Ramirez, Viktor Fischer; Alvaro Negredo

Liverpool: Emre Can missed the clash with West Ham, while Dejan Lovren was substituted at half-time; both men are doubts for the trip to the Riverside. Philippe Coutinho remains a long-term absentee, while Daniel Sturridge is also expected to miss the match.

Likely XI: Loris Karius; Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan, James Milner; Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana; Sadio Mane, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino

Team news courtesy of the Fantasy Football Scout.

Preview

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

After conceding a couple of soft goals against the Hammers, all eyes will be on Liverpool’s underfire goalkeeper Loris Karius at the Riverside.

The 23-year-old turned in a shaky display against Bournemouth in the recent 4-3 defeat and things got even worse against West Ham. The German was slow in getting across to Dimitri Payet’s free-kick and then hesitated terribly for Michail Antonio’s strike.

While it’s expected that a young stopper will make errors, at the moment they’re mistakes that are costing the Reds in pursuit of the title. Per journalist Ste Hoare, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp may have to make a big decision on his goalkeeping situation:

Regardless of who is between the sticks at the Riverside, Liverpool should be confident of getting what would be a welcome three points.

Going forward, the team still looks a threat even without the likes of Sturridge and Coutinho. Sadio Mane offers consistent penetration on the right flank; Adam Lallana’s return has added more energy to midfield; and Roberto Firmino, moved out to the left wing in his compatriot’s absence, continues to link play expertly in the final third.

However, the man in form for the Reds at the moment is Divock Origi, who has led the line brilliantly. Per Squawka Football, the 21-year-old is enjoying one of the best runs of his career in front of goal:

Boro have performed pretty well against some of the division’s best sides so far this season, picking up draws against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. Karanka’s team are organised and hard-working; they will feel confident of causing an uncertain Liverpool defence problems on home soil.

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Keeping the Reds out will be tricky, though. For all the question marks over the defensive side of the team, Liverpool continue to sparkle in attack, and that ingenuity in the final third will be enough to see them to three valuable points in the north-east.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-2 Liverpool