The Sports Bookie Blog

Positive Reaction Expected at Anfield After Inter Win

February 22nd, 2008

Rafa Benitez openly admitted that Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan on Tuesday was critical to his future at the club. The Reds were helped by the harsh sending off of Marco Materazzi with just half an hour gone, but it is the result that counts. Liverpool & Benitez, must now carry the positive momentum into the Premiership starting with Saturday’s home fixture against Middlesbrough. The Pool have slipped out of the automatic Champions League qualification spots, at the expense of city neighbours, Everton.

Gareth Southgate has made really progress with Boro after a shaky start, remaining unbeaten in their last seven games in all competition, and tightening up markedly in defence, despite the loss of Jonathan Woodgate. They have an excellent chance of progressing in the FA Cup, so morale at the club is high. The sides met at the Riverside in mid-January, drawing 1-1, one of three identical stalemates in their last five Premiership games. History is however, against a win for the Teessiders, as they last silenced the kop in 1976.

PinnacleSports.com make Liverpool favourites 1.862 (-1 & -1.5)* with Middlesbrough 2.070 (+1 & +1.5)*.