UPDATE: Liverpool v Birmingham Premier League Preview: Gerrard & Torres May Start v City

UPDATE: Liverpool v Birmingham City Premier League Match Preview

Liverpool, currently in 7th place in the EPL, host 14th placed Birmingham City in their Premier League match at Anfield on Monday evening.

Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool have lost three of their last four Premiership matches, with a 2-0 win over fierce rivals Manchester United the only win in Liverpool’s last eight matches in all competitions.

There is some good news for The Reds after it was revealed that Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has been training with the squad and the Liverpool boss believes he may be fit enough to start against Birmingham City.

Benitez, speaking to the official Liverpool website, said: “Steven trained on Friday with the physios and did a light training session today with the team and did well. He is improving and has more confidence.

“We will decide on Monday before the game if he can play. He hasn't been training for a long time so we have to be careful.”

Meanwhile inspirational striker Fernando Torres is recovering from an abdominal strain, with the Spanish striker still a doubt for Monday’s clash.

"With Fernando we know he has to keep working with the physios and we will see how he progresses,” continued Benitez. “We will see how is he is because he still has some pain, so we will decide if he can play on Monday.”

Also likely to return from injury are Fabio Aurelio, Glen Johnson and Albert Riera, while Martin Skrtel has recovered from a virus and may also feature.

Unlikely to start against alex McLeish’s side is Alberto Aquilani, who could make his league debut at Anfield as a substitute.

Benitez confirmed that he was planning on naming Aquilani in the final squad, but is hoping that he won’t have to start with the Italian, who has been recovering from a virus.

“His match fitness is still a problem,” said Beinitez. “We are hopeful of having some players fit and available, so maybe he can wait and change the game if it's necessary,” finishing with: “Aquilani was better after his virus and could have played some part [in the match against Lyon] but hopefully now he will be better for Monday."

Liverpool will be without vice-captain Jamie Carragher, who is suspended for one match and Phillip Degen, who is out for three matches after both were sent-off in Liverpool’s last league match, a 3-1 defeat to Fulham.

Birmingham City also have injury concerns, with Garry O'Connor suffering with a groin problem, while Teemu Tainio and Keith Fahey are both doubts with knee injuries, while Martin Taylor has an ankle injury.

Midfielder Barry Ferguson is suspended for the match after receiving two yellow-cards in last Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City, with Lee Carsley likely to deputise.

Monday 9th November 2009

Liverpool (team to be chosen from): Reina, Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Kuyt, Ayala, Agger, Mascherano, Aquilani, Lucas, Johnson, Benayoun, Voronin, Torres, N’Gog, Kelly, Babel, Gerrard, Riera, Arbeloa, Gulacsi, Spearing, Plessis, Dossena, Eccleston.

Birmingham City (team to be chosen from): Hart, Taylor, Carr, Parnaby, Johnson, Dann, Queudrue, Ridgewell, Vignal, Larsson, Bowyer, Carsley, Fahey, McFadden, McSheffrey, Jerome, Benitez, Phillips, O'Connor, Doyle.