[Mighty T.A.L.]

Liverpool travel to Reading on Saturday evening as the Reds look to stretch a run of five consecutive victories.

Rafa Benitez's side have recorded five straight successes in all competitions after wins against Bolton, Porto, Newcastle, Fulham and Besiktas.

Liverpool will be keen to stretch their winning streak, but Reading will be looking to avenge their 4-2 Carling Cup defeat to the Reds in September.

The cup clash at the Madejski was a physical encounter with Liverpool especially critical of the treatment handed out to captain Steven Gerrard and star striker Fernando Torres.

Competitive

While Reading manager Steve Coppell defends his side's approach, he will be hoping his side can produce a competitive performance at the weekend.

Coppell, though, will be without defender Michael Dubbery. The centre-back has returned to training after a rib injury, but is not match fit.

John Oster will also be missing for Reading as he is facing surgery on his ongoing ankle problem.

Glen Little is also unavailable for the Royals as he continues an Achilles injury enforced spell on the sidelines.

Consistent

Benitez is not one to stick with a consistent first XI, but expect Torres - who started in last weekend's 4-0 win over Bolton - to start after the Spaniard ripped Reading apart as he fired a hat-trick in the cup victory earlier in the season.

Jamie Carragher should be fit to continue his central defence partnership with Sami Hyypia, despite being forced off in the victory against Bolton with a rib problem.

Benitez has revealed Daniel Agger, Xabi Alonso and Fabio Aurelio are close to returning after injury absences, but the trio are unlikely to start against Reading.

Source: Skysports