Liverpool will hope to convert their European form to the Premier League when Middlesbrough visit Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds silenced the critics with a 2-0 victory over Internazionale in the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Tuesday to ease the pressure on under-fire manager Rafa Benitez.
Tuesday's impressive display against 10 men demonstrates Benitez, who has come under intense pressure this season as Liverpool limp along domestically, has the Midas touch when it comes to football on the continent.
But the Spaniard will be well aware that his fifth-placed side are running the risk of failing to qualify for next season's Champions League and any slip up against Boro will be followed by rapidly returning critical sniping.
However, Boro will be unlikely to want to aid any renaissance on Merseyside and Gareth Southgate's side will be keen to upset the odds as they remain apprehensive about being drawn into a relegation scrap.
Boro are on a fine run of form and last weekend's FA Cup draw with Sheffield United ensured the Teessiders have now lost only once in 10 games in all competitions.
And Benitez will be well aware that should he tinker too drastically with the starting line-up which overcame Inter, he will be leaving himself open to intense tactical questioning.
However, it is expected Liverpool will revert to a four-man midfield against Boro, which will see captain Steven Gerrard drop back into the centre after being given a free role against the Italians.
This is likely to mean Lucas Leiva will miss out, but Ryan Babel could keep hold of his place on the left of midfield after being handed a run of starts by Benitez.
Fernando Torres should also maintain his place in attack, while defender Martin Skrtel has returned to full training following a calf problem, but Andrei Voronin (knee) and defender Daniel Agger (metatarsal) remain out.
Jamie Carragher is ruled out due to a one-match suspension and so full-back Alvaro Arbeloa could partner Sami Hyypia in the centre of defence
Meanwhile, Southgate will make late checks on Robert Huth and Tuncay Sanli before naming his starting XI, but Afonso Alves could make his first start.
Huth missed the FA Cup fifth round trip to Bramall Lane with a foot problem but could return at Anfield, while Tuncay is back in training after a hamstring problem.
David Wheater is available before sitting out Wednesday night's cup replay through suspension, but Lee Cattermole (knee) and Chris Riggott (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.
The Reds silenced the critics with a 2-0 victory over Internazionale in the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Tuesday to ease the pressure on under-fire manager Rafa Benitez.
Tuesday's impressive display against 10 men demonstrates Benitez, who has come under intense pressure this season as Liverpool limp along domestically, has the Midas touch when it comes to football on the continent.
But the Spaniard will be well aware that his fifth-placed side are running the risk of failing to qualify for next season's Champions League and any slip up against Boro will be followed by rapidly returning critical sniping.
However, Boro will be unlikely to want to aid any renaissance on Merseyside and Gareth Southgate's side will be keen to upset the odds as they remain apprehensive about being drawn into a relegation scrap.
Boro are on a fine run of form and last weekend's FA Cup draw with Sheffield United ensured the Teessiders have now lost only once in 10 games in all competitions.
And Benitez will be well aware that should he tinker too drastically with the starting line-up which overcame Inter, he will be leaving himself open to intense tactical questioning.
However, it is expected Liverpool will revert to a four-man midfield against Boro, which will see captain Steven Gerrard drop back into the centre after being given a free role against the Italians.
This is likely to mean Lucas Leiva will miss out, but Ryan Babel could keep hold of his place on the left of midfield after being handed a run of starts by Benitez.
Fernando Torres should also maintain his place in attack, while defender Martin Skrtel has returned to full training following a calf problem, but Andrei Voronin (knee) and defender Daniel Agger (metatarsal) remain out.
Jamie Carragher is ruled out due to a one-match suspension and so full-back Alvaro Arbeloa could partner Sami Hyypia in the centre of defence
Meanwhile, Southgate will make late checks on Robert Huth and Tuncay Sanli before naming his starting XI, but Afonso Alves could make his first start.
Huth missed the FA Cup fifth round trip to Bramall Lane with a foot problem but could return at Anfield, while Tuncay is back in training after a hamstring problem.
David Wheater is available before sitting out Wednesday night's cup replay through suspension, but Lee Cattermole (knee) and Chris Riggott (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.
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