JEREMIE ALIADIERE can't wait to get going at Anfield this afternoon and has fond memories of his last visit to Liverpool.

It's a little over a year since Aliadiere last ran out onto the Anfield turf and if his display on that night in Arsenal's 6-3 win is anything to go by, then Boro fans should prepare themselves for an action packed afternoon

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The French striker scored the opening goal of the game, made another two and won a penalty for the Gunners in their thumping Carling Cup win last January.

"The last time I was here it was a fantastic game," he said. "Hopefully it'll be another big game for me today."

Despite his optimism at returning to the scene of perhaps his best performance as a professional, Aliadiere isn't expecting fireworks.

"You never know what can happen in football but to be honest we'd be happy with a 1-0 win. If we can get something that'd be great for us."

Boro's form on the road has seen a marked improvement over last season. They've managed 13 points from their away games so far and have only lost once away from the Riverside since October. Aliadiere says the run breeds confidence.

"We're playing really well at the minute and there's no reason we can't get something from this game," he said. "We've shown lately that we're really confident and we can be consistent. We'll just try to work hard and play football."

While Boro haven't been beaten since New Year's Day, the trip to Anfield will represent the stiffest test yet at a ground where they haven't won in their last 23 attempts.

"They've got so many great players and have such a big squad, you never know what team will come out, but whoever they play, it'll be a hard game," he said.

"We'll just focus on ourselves and not try to think too much about the opponents. We can concentrate on the way we're playing and what we want to go there and do."

Although their form of late has been indifferent, Aliadiere knows it's just as likely the home side will turn up and play in the manner that they did in Tuesday's Champions League win over Inter Milan.

"We've seen the result that they had in the FA Cup last week but we can't think about that too much and get too confident," he said. "They've got great fans as well. They always support their team whatever the score, so it'll make it a tough game."

If Boro can avoid defeat at Anfield it will mark a ninth unbeaten game and give the team a chance of making it double figures by beating Sheffield United in the FA Cup replay at the Riverside next week, something Aliadiere is keen to play down, for now.

"We haven't spoken much about the cup, we're focused on Liverpool and the league. We think we've got a good chance in the cup and we want to give everything in that competition, but we're going game by game and the next step is Liverpool away."

Boro haven't had the best luck with injuries over the past few seasons but it seems that things could finally be turning with players returning in all positions, particularly up front.

"We've got Tuncay back from injury, Mido's fit and Alves as well so there's a lot of options up front," he said. "At the back we've been more solid and compact, which gives us the chance to break quickly and hopefully we can do that again this afternoon."

The fans haven't yet had the chance to really see Alves in action. The Brazilian forward is yet to achieve full fitness but Aliadiere is confident he'll be a big hit at the Riverside.

"He's a great striker," he said. "In front of goal he's a great finisher but I think he needs to adapt a bit to English football, so he needs time."

Boro haven't won at Anfield in 32 years, but with Aliadiere having grabbed two goals in his last four games and the likes of Tuncay and Mido returning to fight for their place with Afonso Alves, who's to say the history books can't be rewritten on Merseyside?