Liverpool vs Anzhi: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Liverpool welcome Anzhi Makhachkala to Anfield tonight looking to get their UEFA Europa League campaign back on track.

Brendan Rodgers side currently sit third in Group A after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Udinese last time out, so will need a positive result over group leaders Anzhi if they are to maintain hopes of progressing to the next stage.

While their European adventure remains a priority, Rodgers may have one eye on domestic matters with a Merseyside derby against Everton on Sunday.

However, the Reds will face a tough side in Anzhi with the ambitious big-spending Russians out to cause an upset at Anfield.

Team news

Brendan Rodgers will once again have to make do without the services of goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The Spaniard missed Saturday’s 1-0 win over Reading with a hamstring problem and is facing a fitness fight to be fit in time to face Everton on Sunday.

Brad Jones will continue in goal after keeping a clean sheet last weekend. Liverpool will also be without Martin Kelly, Lucas Leiva and Fabio Borini and the Reds are expected to name a strong side despite Sunday’s important derby against city rivals Everton.

Anzhi have received a major boost with the news that top scorer Samuel Eto’o is fit to start tonight. However, manager Guus Hiddink will be without France midfielder Lassana Diarra who has been ruled out with a knee ligament tear.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

While Anzhi will prove to be dangerous opposition tonight, Liverpool are expected to have too much for the Russian outfit. But it won’t be a walkover at Anfield. Liverpool 2-1 Anzhi.

What would your team be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section.

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