Liverpool v Birmingham preview

Fernando Torres could play on Monday despite Rafael Benitez fearing both he and Steven Gerrard may require surgery.

Torres will test his groin injury with light training over the weekend. Gerrard is also doubtful but Martin Skrtel returns after a virus.
 
Birmingham are without Barry Ferguson (banned) while Garry O'Connor (groin) and Keith Fahey (knee) are both doubts. 
 
On-loan keeper Joe Hart could replace Maik Taylor after being ineligible to face parent club Manchester City.
 
MATCH PREVIEW
 
Just six weeks ago Liverpool beat Hull City 6-1 at Anfield and were only three points behind title rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.
 
Yet six defeats in eight games later and Liverpool's season has virtually been written off.
 
Next up for Benitez are Birmingham, one of his bogey sides as he has never tasted a league victory over them. Improving Birmingham more than stifled Manchester City last weekend and are capable of frustrating an under-performing Liverpool side.
 
Blues boss Alex McLeish has this week empathised with Benitez. The Scot spent five years in charge of Rangers and understands that expectation levels from fans can not always be met.
 
On the field, there have been signs of late that newly-promoted and newly-bought Birmingham are beginning to get used to the Premier League. A run of four points from two games has supporters in high spirits as the club's new owners also start to settle into their new surroundings.
 

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