In Week 3 of the UEFA Europa League group stage, Liverpool will host visiting Anzhi Makhachkala to Anfield Thursday at 3:05 p.m. ET.
The Reds have had a mixed start to the season both in League and European competition as they transition into life under the management of Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers' hand has been forced somewhat by the injuries to Pepe Reina (hamstring), Martin Kelly (knee) and Fabio Borini (foot), all of whom would have surely played in this fixture. The likes of Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling could all be rested.
In their place should be Jamie Carragher, Sebastien Coates, Jose Enrique and Stewart Downing. However, without any other senior striker available to them, Luis Suarez looks set to lead the line once again for the Reds.
Anzhi coach Guus Hiddink believes Liverpool should be regarded as favourites to win the group and has also backed the Reds to return to the top in Europe.
The former Chelsea manager had this to say:
"This season Liverpool have had a problematic start, but this is a huge institution - it will always recover.
"Liverpool will always resurrect and come up to the top where they belong. You have to realise that the Premier League is one of the leading leagues in the world of football.
"Although Liverpool are not in the top three at this moment, they have some experienced players and they are going for this competition and looking to go further in Europe.
"They are favourites and not us. I think Liverpool are the favourites in this group."
Watch Liverpool vs. Anzhi Makhachkala live stream, click here.
Probable Lineups:
Liverpool: Jones, Wisdom, Carragher, Coates, Enrique , Henderson, Sahin, Shelvey , Downing, Suarez, Assaidi
Anzhi Makhachkala: Gabulov, Agalarov, Samba, Tagirbekov, Zhirkov, Jucilei, Shatov, Carcela-Gonzales, Bousouffa, Traore, Eto'o
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