Liverpool v Bolton preview

Gerrard celebrates scoring against Bolton last month

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 2-0

SKYBET odds: Liverpool 4/11, Draw 7/2, Bolton 17/2

One to Watch: Steven Gerrard

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Liverpool will be aiming to finish the first half of the season on top of the table when they welcome Bolton to Anfield on Boxing Day.

The Reds sit at the summit of the Premier League on Christmas Day for the first time since 1996 and they will be keen to cement their title challenge with three points against Bolton.

Liverpool will be determined to get back to winning ways at Anfield after drawing their last three games at home.

The hosts could welcome manager Rafa Benitez back into the dugout after he missed last weekend's draw with Arsenal following an operation on kidney stones.

Fernando Torres could also return after missing the last five games with a hamstring problem, but Benitez could decide not to risk his fellow Spaniard by saving him for the weekend game with Newcastle.

Robbie Keane will be optimistic of keeping his place in the side after scoring in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal and Steven Gerrard is likely to support him in attack.

Javier Mascherano missed the clash at Emirates Stadium through illness, but he could return to the side to face Bolton.

Martin Skrtel is back in training after his serious knee injury, but the game has come too soon for the big defender.

Bolton boss Gary Megson has no fresh injury worries to contend with for the trip to Merseyside.

Joey O'Brien and Tamir Cohen are still sidelined with thigh injuries sustained in October.

Bolton have won three of their last four away Premier League games and they will be aiming to gain revenge for their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium last month.

Possible starting XIs:

b>Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Reira, Gerrard, Keane.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andy O'Brien, Samuel, Elmander, McCann, Nolan, Gardner, Taylor, Davies.