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ALASTAIR BROWNLEE'S LIVERPOOL v BORO MATCH PREVIEW 22-2-08
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After the FA Cup draw on Monday gave Boro a huge incentive to beat Sheffield United in the fifth round replay by giving the winners of Wednesday's Riverside showdown a home tie with Cardiff, some fans have already started to plan their trips to Wembley.
For the players and management, there has been only one topic of conversation this week - the plans for the trip to Liverpool.
Boro travel to Anfield in confident mood as they have lost just one of their last ten away games in both league and cup. This is a run that stretches back more than three months to November 11.
The away day success has been built around a strong defence and the latest clean sheet in the cup tie at Bramall Lane proved that the side has strength in depth, as reserve team captain Jonathan Grounds came into the side at left back and showed yet again what a good prospect he is.
Grounds certainly would be up for the Merseyside challenge. After all, he made his debut against Liverpool in the 1-1 draw on 12 January at the Riverside and could be in line to keep his place as Robert Huth continues his fight for full fitness.
The deciding factor at Anfield might be which Liverpool side turns up to face Boro. Will it be the team that bowed out of the FA Cup against Barnsley seven days ago or will it be the Reds that defeated Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday?
Rafael Benitez has certainly struggled to have the same impact domestically as he has in Europe and Liverpool currently lie in fifth place, just outside the top four position that would guarantee Champions League football next season.
Some of Liverpool's problems might be found in the manager's belief in rotating the squad and despite the win over Inter, Benitez is aware that patience amongst some of the home support is wearing thin. Can Boro take advantage?
Gareth has increasing options up front for the trip to Liverpool. Tuncay is back in full training as the Turkish international hopes to get back to the form he showed in the home game with Wigan, where he was outstanding before his hamstring problem struck.
In addition to Tuncay, Mido is looking fitter with every match he plays and Afonso Alves is settling into his new surroundings and is looking sharp in training.
One player who has been praised by the manager this week has been Fabio Rochemback, who has been putting in some solid displays in the midfield. His partnership with Julio Arca is also starting to blossom.
Rochemback's ability first came to many fans' attentions when he played against Boro for Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Cup clash in 2005 but it has been this season where he has regularly put in some quality performances.
In addition, Rochemback proved in the rough and tumble of the cup-tie at Sheffield that he is more than capable of winning a physical battle.
Stewart Downing will pass another personal milestone at Liverpool where he will make his 150th start in Middlesbrough colours and his value to the team is underlined when you realise that he is the only player to have started every one of Boro's Premier League matches this season.
It was terrific news last week when Downing agreed his new five-year deal and he nearly celebrated it with a terrific volley at Bramall Lane that was so close to winning the game. He is guaranteed to cause the Liverpool defence problems on Saturday.
Boro triumphs at Liverpool have been something of a rarity with the last league win back on 6 March 1976.
As a young fan travelling on the supporter's club coaches, I remember Jack Charlton's side coming out on top in a 2-0 win.
Both of the goals were scored in front of the Kop as Terry Cooper and John Hickton were the goal heroes.
Bernie and I will, hopefully, reflect on a three-point display on Simply Red this Sunday on Century Radio between 11 and 1pm.
As well as Sunday lunch for two to giveaway for the Bluebell Hotel in Acklam, we will also have competitions courtesy of  Ladbrokes to win tickets for both the Sheffield United FA Cup replay and the Premier League match next week with Reading.
Special guests will include the great defenders of the Seventies Stuart Boam and John Craggs, together with the striker who made his name with John Neal's young squad, Dave Hodgson.
So why not give us a call on the usual number 08450021100 or send a text to 85102.
Up the Boro!
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