Derby manager Paul Jewell will be wondering how he will manage to save his team's Premiership status as they sank to another defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Middlesbrough. A maiden goal from Tuncay Sanli ensured the Rams remained winless in their last 10 live premier league games.

Derby County last scored a goal against Manchester United earlier this month. That goal was their first in 8 games and the celebrations following it underlined the problems faced by Jewell. Earnshaw, Pearson, Griffin and Edworthy continue to be sidelined with injuries although all of them could return following late fitness tests.

Derby County began life in the top flight with a honorable 2-2 draw against Portsmouth. However their season has gone from worse to a nightmare in recent times and they occupy the rock bottom spot on the table with 6 points from 17 games.

Liverpool on the other hand have looked a much improved side although defeat at the hands of Manchester United will not have gone down well with the Kop faithful. Furthermore an early exit from the Carling Cup will have left manager Rafa Benitez fuming and he will want his players to recoup over the Christmas games.

Xabi Alonso made a welcome return following a lengthy injury absence and he could be in the thick of things against Derby. Liverpool will be without Peter Crouch who is suspended for three games, but Benitez has enough firepower to get him the goals.

Last season's Boxing Day fixture saw Liverpool beaten 1-0 by Blackburn. Benitez will be hoping to avoid defeat this time around. Watch Derby v Liverpool live on free-football.tv.