YOU BET

Liverpool's poor away form goes under the microscope again tonight when they visit Middlesbrough.

Rafa Benitez's Reds were fancied in many quarters to pose the biggest challenge to Chelsea this season, but their title hopes have been scuppered by a series of bad away results. They have taken only one point from a possible 18 - and that was at fourth-bottom Sheffield United - and have scored just one goal in six matches.

That represents the worst start on the road by any 'Big Four' team in the past decade, and history suggests that Liverpool will find it difficult to recover their away form. Of the six Big Four teams who have suffered three or more defeats in their first six away games over the past 10 seasons, only one has managed more wins than defeats in their remaining away games. In Liverpool's defence, they have had a difficult start on the road. They have visited all the other members of the Big Four, as well as Bolton and Everton.

A trip to Middlesbrough looks easier, but the Riverside Stadium has become a graveyard for the big teams. Chelsea have lost on their last two visits, Arsenal and Manchester United both lost there last season, and Liverpool haven't won [or even scored] in their last four trips [two defeats, two draws].

Middlesbrough rate a decent shot at long odds to add to Liverpool's away-day misery.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal face easier tasks against teams in the bottom five. It is difficult to see a positive result for any of the strugglers.

Bolton represent the best handicap chance at Everton, where they have won twice in the past three seasons, but there are better bets in the English Championship.