The intimidating atmosphere of the Petrovski Stadium awaits Liverpool when they travel to Russia to face Zenit St. Petersburg in the first leg of the round of 32 of the Europa League.

The result against West Brom at Anfield, which seriously dented their chances of competing for a Champions League place, will be in the minds of the players, as they look to get the desired result in Russia.

In a two-legged tie in Europe it is always crucial to get an away goal, which immediately gives you an advantage, and Brendan Rodgers will drill the importance of that goal into his players.

Liverpool will also have to prepare themselves for a rather intimidating welcome, particularly for their black players, and how they cope with the atmosphere will make a major difference in the eventual result.

"These players always react very well," Rodgers told the club's official website. "They were very disappointed, like we all were, last night because we wanted to make our home form better in the league.

"That's something we'd done, especially of late. We entered into the game against West Brom with the best defensive home record in the league, so that shows the mark of improvement we were making as a group.

"It's something that left the players disappointed, but they will react in the right manner. They're good guys here, they want to work well and they're very good at moving on. That's something we'll have to do if we want to progress."

Zenit, who haven't played a competitive game since early December, were disappointing in their Champions League group, and after finishing third, have been handed a tricky tie against Liverpool.

The Russian side have players in Danny, Hulk and Axel Witsel, who can break down any team on their day, even if the latter two might not have set the world alight since making their move to Russia in the summer.

Liverpool will be without Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, both of whom are ineligible. Martin Kelly is making good progress on his return from a long-term injury, but is not expected to be a part of the squad just yet.

The Reds have been a bit hit-and-miss this season, playing wonderfully well one moment, while capitulating the other. With Europa League a very realistic shot at a trophy, Rodgers will be desperate to see his side progress as far as possible, and Zenit is sure to provide a stiff test in the first leg.

Expected lineups: Zenit: Malafeev; Anyukov, Lombaerts, Alves, Hubocan; Witsel, Denisov, Shirokov, Fayzulin, Danny, Hulk.

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, Gerrard, Allen, Downing, Suarez, Suso.

Prediction: 1-1