Fan Preview: Liverpool vs Birmingham City

Liverpool could be boosted by the return of inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard to the starting line up when they welcome Birmingham City to Anfield on Monday night.

Gerrard will face a late fitness test along with Fernando Torres, who looks more likely to start the game despite struggling with a groin injury and flying back to Spain during the week to seek medical advice.

But Jamie Carragher is definitely out of the game as he serves a one game suspension following his red card in the disappointing defeat at Fulham last week.

The news of the Reds’ talismanic duo possibly returning though will be a welcome bout of good news for manager Rafa Benitez after he has seen his team sink lower and lower since their crucial victory over Manchester United on October 25.

Although Gerrard has barely trained for a fortnight, a training session on Saturday resulted in Benitez being impressed with his captain’s fitness and his chances of making the Birmingham clash improve considerably.

The boss could also be boosted with the return of Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera, while Alberto Aquilani looks set to make his Anfield bow from the bench.

Liverpool will be hoping to get their season back on track against the Blues with a victory moving them to within a point of the top four and hopefully banishing the memories of the last few days to the backs of their minds.

The result seems even more likely with the news that Birmingham will be missing their captain Barry Ferguson through suspension following his sending off against Manchester City last week.

But on loan goalkeeper Joe Hart will be available again after being ineligible to face his parent club last week. Winger Keith Fahey is battling to overcome a knock to his knee in training, while striker Garry O’Connor is still a doubt with a groin problem.

The biggest problem for the West Midlands club this season has been scoring goals as they have only scored eight times in the Premier League.

In contrast, the Reds have scored 25 league goals this season but have conceded 16, just two less than Portsmouth at the foot of the table and four more than Monday night’s opponents.

Team news

Liverpool

Suspended: Jamie Carragher (one match), Philipp Degen (three matches)

Maybes: Fernando Torres (groin), Steven Gerrard (groin), Glen Johnson (calf), Albert Riera (hamstring), Fabio Aurelio (calf)

Injured: Martin Kelly (ankle)
Birmingham City

Suspended: Barry Ferguson (one match)

Maybes: Garry O’Connor (groin), Keith Fahey (knee), Teemu Tainio (knee), Martin Taylor (ankle)

Injured: David Murphy (knee)

By Michael Glover

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