Liverpool host Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday evening in one of just four third round ties that see Championship sides pit their wits against Premier League opposition.

Brendan Rodgers men, who were eliminated at this stage of the competition last season after losing 1-0 to fierce rivals Manchester United, go in to the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat at West Ham United – their third loss in four Premier League games.

Rickie Lambert is in line for his first start for the club after making four substitute appearances in a row, with a host of other fringe players expected to feature for what is their fourth game in ten days.

Lambert is 5.5 (9/2) with Bet 365 to get the first goal of the game, with Adam Lallana an 8.0 (7/1) chance with Paddy Power.

The Reds are 1.53 (8/15) with Bet Victor to win the game within ninety minutes, with Boro as highly priced as the 7.5 (13/2) offered by Coral. The draw is a 5.0 (4/1) chance with Betfred.

The visitors, who beat Preston North End in the last round, have risen to fifth in the Championship after winning their last three matches.

Dean Whitehead is suspended after picking up a red card on Saturday’s 4-0 win over Brentford, though former Daniel Ayala is available to face his old club after serving his ban.

Patrick Bamford is priced at 15.0 (14/1) with Ladbrokes to open the scoring, with top scorer Grant Leadbitter a 21.0 (20/1) chance with Coral.

The North East side secured a surprise victory the last time these two teams met, though it was unable to save them from relegation to the Championship back in 2009.

However, Liverpool have won six of their last seven clashes with the Teesiders on Merseyside – drawing the other, with four of those games finishing 2-0 to the hosts.

That scoreline can be backed at 10.0 (9/1) with Bet Victor, with the same firm offering a price of 3.1 (21/10) a home win to nil.