After a nightmare October The Reds season is in danger of collapse. One win in their last eight games in all competitions has seen the Anfield outfit knocked-out of the Carling Cup, on the brink of elimination in the Champions League, and if Chelsea beat Manchester United on Sunday, 12 points off the pace at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Liverpool's Walking Wounded
The woeful performances are not the only major concern for Benitez. Injuries to Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Albert Riera, Fabio Aurelio and doubts over Fernando Torres mean he will be missing key players. In addition, Jamie Carragher and Phillip Degen are suspended. With the only other recognised right-back, Martin Kelly also on the injury list, Javier Mascherano or Jay Spearing may have to slot in at right-back. Martin Skertl is available to step in alongside Daniel Agger.
Torres will undergo a late fitness test for his troublesome hernia before facing Birmingham, but whether he plays or not, it seems likely that the Spain striker will need an operation sooner rather than later. Gerrard also returned to light training on Friday and may be named as a substitute alongside Alberto Aquilani just in case he is needed. With important games against Manchester City and Everton later in the month, Gerrard may not be risked, though Aquilani is expected to feature at some stage.
Birmingham will be without Barry Ferguson after his impetuous dismissal against Manchester City, whilst Garry O'Connor, Teemu Tainio and Keith Fahey are all injury doubts. Alex McLeish must also decide whether to play on-loan keeper Joe Hart or stick with the experience of Maik Taylor.
The Birmingham City boss has admitted he doesn't know whether this is a good time to face Liverpool. Though the Reds are going through a crisis, they can bite like a wounded tiger and it could be the Blues who are on the end of a mauling. The West Midlands side have been a thorn in the side of Benitez however and the Reds boss will be looking to record his first victory over them.
The Spaniard's name sake, Cristian Benitez, may have a say in proceedings as he goes in hunt of his first goal in English football. Though the 24-year-old Ecuadorian has impressed with his overall play since his arrival at St. Andrews his failure in front of goal is beginning to frustrate the Blues faithful. He is expected to partner Cameron Jerome up front in an attempt to unsettle Liverpool's fragile defence with their pace.
Liverpool Could Be Feeling The Blues
Birmingham have lost four of their five league games on the road this season, whilst Liverpool have only lost once at Anfield, notching 17 goals in the process. McLeish though can take advantage of the homes side's lack of creativity and low confidence levels by getting men behind the ball and frustrating his opponents. And with Pepe Reina only keeping three clean sheets this season, the Blues might even nick a victory.
