Premier League: Liverpool 0 Hull 0

Brendan Rodgers' side were convincingly beaten by Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, with Mario Balotelli's performance and half-time shirt swap causing controversy.

However, Rodgers kept faith with the Italian for Saturday's Premier League clash at Anfield and the former Milan striker went close twice in the second half - incredibly hitting an effort straight at Eldin Jaukopovic from five yards with the last kick of the game.

Liverpool's attacking ranks looked disjointed at times as they missed out on the chance to record a third consecutive top-flight victory, although their first clean sheet at Anfield since March will serve as a small positive.

Steve Bruce's side are now three unbeaten on the road after a solid defensive showing stifled to hosts, adding to last weekend's point picked up at Arsenal.

Dejan Lovren's header was then kept out by Ahmed Elmohamady on the line after nine minutes before Balotelli was denied by Jakupovic from a narrow angle, though Hull's third-choice goalkeeper, making a rare outing due to injuries to Allan McGregor and Steve Harper, was rarely tested.

Liverpool dominated after the break and Balotelli looked set to register his first league goal for the club just after the hour but an acrobatic clearance from Brady kept the scores level and Sterling's firm effort on the rebound was gathered comfortably by Jakupovic.

The frustration continued for Liverpool and Balotelli as a third penalty shout was waved away after a clumsy challenge from Alex Bruce before the Italian spurned the final chance of the game.