Liverpool visit Middlesbrough in the Premier League tonight, and we asked Boro fan Luke Parkinson to give us the lowdown on the opposition.

So, what can the Reds expect to face on Teesside? Who are the dangermen for Aitor Karanka's side? What tips should the travelling Kop take on board?

Over to you, Luke...

We're now 15 games into the season, how are Middlesbrough finding the step back up to the Premier League?

It's definitely not been easy, and although we can't be too disappointed with where we are in the league, I won't be the only one thinking that we could have a few more points in the bag. We've been solid at the back, but that defensive discipline has meant that we're struggling to score at the other end. However, we're learning as we go along and results in the past few weeks have been a sign that we are starting to move in the right direction.

We've only lost two of the last seven in the Premier League and that's good news, especially when we've picked up unexpected points against Arsenal, Manchester City and Leicester, plus wins against Bournemouth and Hull City - two sides who could be round about us come the end of the campaign. Our latest two defeats have only been 1-0 too, so if we can just start to convert chances at the other end (we have the talent to do so) then we should start climbing the table pretty soon. 

Only two of your league matches so far have been won by more than a goal by either team - have they been as tight as that suggests?

At times probably not, but as I've already mentioned, our organisation at the back is giving us a great chance regardless of the opposition. Chelsea piled the pressure on in that 1-0 defeat a couple of weeks ago, but if we can just start to take the chances at the right end, however few or far between they may be, then we'll have a great chance of levelling or even winning some of those matches. 

Alvaro Negredo has taken a while to really settle, and some of our top performers last year in the Championship are finding their feet in the top flight. But if the likes of Gaston Ramirez and Negredo can form a formidable partnership on the break, then we'll become a really tough nut to crack.

You are the lowest scorers in the division at the moment. Has that surprised you?

Obviously as a promoted side it's never going to be easy to score against better defenders and better goalkeepers, and if you'd have asked me the same kind of question at the start of the season then I would have said yes - especially with Negredo, David Nugent, Jordan Rhodes and Cristhian Stuani to choose from. 

But if you have a look at last season, we were far from prolific on the goalscoring front, scoring nine less than champions Burnley and nine less than third-placed Brighton. In fact, we scored the least goals out of anybody in the top six, so it's hardly a surprise to see Karanka go with the same kind of set-up this season.  

Jürgen Klopp says you have an interesting mix of Championship and international experience. Who are the key men in your side?

Well I'm sure Klopp will find out exactly what we're like tonight, but luckily for him the majority of our key men are facing late fitness tests. 

For me, George Friend (returned to training this week), Ramirez (foot) and Negredo (hamstring) are the three players I'd be looking out for as a travelling supporter, but Liverpool fans may also have to keep their eyes on Adama Traore, who has made a really impressive start since moving to the Riverside. 

The former Barca man has only made five appearances, but he causes problems when he is on the pitch, and is certainly quick on his feet - watch out for him!

LFCTV GO: Klopp's pre-Middlesbrough press conference

And who are the unsung heroes for Boro?

Due to promotion last year it's hard to find too many players that haven't received the recognition they deserve in the past 12 months, but if I had to single one player out then I would probably go for Adam Clayton. 

He's a really vital part of our midfield, and often goes under the radar with so much quality and experience in front of him - Stewart Downing, Ramirez, Negredo etc. But you always need that bulldog-type midfielder in the heart of your team, and although he's scored just once since joining the Boro, his influence on the team is more important than ever in the Premier League. 

How has former Liverpool man Downing been performing for you?

It's been a real mixed bag for Stewart since returning back to the Riverside, and he did seem to fall out of favour under Karanka at points last season. He has played 14 times this season, though, scoring in the recent victory against Bournemouth, but I feel the manager will value his experience around the squad probably a little more than he does out on the pitch. 

Who concerns you most in the Liverpool team?

Without doubt their pace on the attack. The constant pressing from the front is sure to create an opportunity across the 90 minutes, and the way you guys quickly get a shot on goal is pretty frightening at times.  

Where will this one be won and lost, in your opinion?

It will only depend on how resolute we can be at the back. If Liverpool make the breakthrough early then I fear it could be a long night, but if we keep it tight then I'm always confident in us nicking something from the game.

Any tips for Liverpool fans making the trip to the Riverside?

Get yourself a parmo!

Finally, what's your prediction?

The Riverside seems to have some kind of curse over Liverpool, with your team not picking up maximum points from their last seven visits to Teesside. They've also won just twice in the last 13 matches at the Boro. 

Karanka has the Smoggies in good form too, picking up points from Arsenal, Bournemouth, Man City, Leicester and Hull in the last seven matches. The only two defeats coming against Chelsea and Southampton, both 1-0. 

We are a tough nut to crack, and although Liverpool have the capabilities to destroy that, Boro look worth a punt to make it a bad few days for Klopp by at least snatching a point, so I'm going 1-1.