Hull City captain Curtis Davies feels Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is being made a scapegoat.
Hull meet Liverpool this weekend.
"I didn't watch the Real Madrid game, but it sounds like people are talking about Balotelli when it was actually the defensive mistakes that cost them," said Davies.
"It seems there's a bit of deflection going on, in the press at least. It's not about one individual.
"I couldn't really tell you who I'd rather face. When Balotelli is on song, he can do a little bit of everything.
"He's big, strong, quick, skilful. The only thing is whether or not he's on song.
"Rickie Lambert is a handful full stop. He's a big targetman but a good footballer who can link up play.
"Whoever plays, they're both internationals and both quality. As a defender you need to be on point to make sure they don't get their goals."
