Image source, Getty Images

All this Loris Karius talk risks us skirting over Middlesbrough. What to make of their season? If you're a Boro fan tweet me on #bbcfootball, yours is the view that counts.

Just three wins in the league this season is a testing statistic and it seems there's confusion at the Riverside about the team's attacking options.

Cristhian Stuani - sometimes a striker for Uruguay - is playing on the right flank from week to week, though he's injured tonight. The rapid Adama Traore has caught the eye and starts tonight having spent a lot of time as an impact substitute. Does Alvaro Negredo need more help up top if Boro are to improve their paltry goal return? It all seems a bit confused.

The teams have disappeared down the tunnel for that final chat before the serious stuff starts. Liverpool could move second if they win well, Middlesbrough could reach 13th if results fall nicely and they win.

The Riverside Stadium not full yet, red seats aplenty on show but my guess is people are getting a brew in to fight off the freeze. We could see a few players in gloves tonight - aside from Loris Karius of course.

Image source, AP

The last time Liverpool won a league game at the Riverside Stadium, Will Young was top of the charts with Evergreen. This, ladies and gents, was the hit after the first series of Pop Idol, which eventually morphed into The X Factor.

Young triumphed and topped the charts at a stellar time. Westlife's World Of Our Own was doing the rounds, as was R Kelly's World's Greatest.

The Reds won 2-1 on 16 March, 2002 - and have not won on this patch since.

Image source, Reuters

Striding around on the pitch, his hands have not moved from his pockets. His black attire si contrasting with the hi-vis colours of his team's warm-up gear.

Jurgen Klopp gets paid to make big decisions, his goalkeeper change will draw scrutiny but he'll care little, I guess. One point from two games is not good enough.

The Reds high-five on the pitch in a show of union before doing some short, sharp sprints.

Anyway, all this talk of Liverpool goalkeepers, if there was ever a place to make the change this is it. Why? Stat attack coming next. Middlesbrough are blunt up top.

Vieira151: Mignolet needs to come in and prove that the faith Klopp gave Karius was misplaced. Hoping for a strong showing.  

David Price: Both couldn't save a date let alone a half-decent shot.. The four in front of the goalie have been an issue as well.

Lewis: Mignolet has it in him, hopefully he takes his chance back in the first team

Steve Claridge
Ex-Leicester striker at Selhurst Park, BBC Radio 5 live

Some people will question whether Jurgen Klopp has relented under pressure but it is probably the right time to take Loris Karius out of the firing line. 

He has not played well and there have been question marks for a few weeks.

I don't think Karius inspires confidence for those in front of him.

On current form it is probably the right decision.

The Liverpool Echo's LFC reporter James Pearce has his say on the news that Loris Karius is dropped. What do you think? 

Tweet me on #bbcfootball.

Image source, Reuters

There were supposed to be many sets of eyes on Loris Karius tonight but his run of errors has proven too costly.

It's a bold call from Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. The German hit back at criticism of the stopper from ex-Manchester United players Gary and Phil Neville but ultimately, there's no vote of confidence bigger than selection.

Klopp may say he is protecting his 23-year-old compatriot from inevitable scrutiny. Simon Mignolet is surely secretly overjoyed as he makes his first league start since September.

Image source, Reuters

As I write, Simon Mignolet is warming up by working on his goal kicks. He's running up, booting the ball up to halfway. After each blow his arms droop to his sides. He looks as relaxed as a lion after a big meal.

Image source, .

Middlesbrough make two changes from defeat at Southampton.

Manager Aitor Karanka explains Cristhian Stuani has a knock, Adama Traore comes in. Jordan Rhodes is ousted by Alvaro Negredo - Boro's joint top scorer with Stuani on three league goals.

Liverpool also make two changes from the 2-2 draw against West Ham. The much-hyped Loris Karius out for Simon Mignolet move is one. Ragnar Klavan in for Joel Matip is the other.

Image source, .

I'm sure many of you have seen the headline team news by now. Something about a Liverpool goalkeeper. Coming up next...

Image source, .

Good evening you beautiful bunch. Not long to go now until a fat bloke slides down the chimney, drops a load of clutter in your living room and serves to remind you that while it may be Christmas, more importantly it's that time of year for football bonanza.

Tonight we have clear talking points to set the ball rolling. Liverpool's goalkeeper, Liverpool's defence, Liverpool's loss of form and Middlesbrough's lack of firepower.

The unshaven Jurgen Klopp versus a clean-cut man sure to ask for a new razor from Santa. 

Stay with me for every kick and thanks for being on board.

Ah the memories. 

This fixture takes me back to a sunny Saturday in August 1996, watching the brilliant Merthyr Tydfil from the stands while listening to BBC Radio 5 live, as Italian Fabrizio Ravanelli showed English football he wasn't too bad by rattling three past Liverpool in a scintillating 3-3 draw.

Tonight it's the league's highest goalscorers against the lowest. A 3-3 thriller looks unlikely, but who cares for the stats? Let's all put our shirts on our heads, run around like mad and hope for another classic.

Image source, Getty Images