Rodgers to play strong Reds team

Even though it has appeared that the Reds have taken a very relaxed approach to the Europa League this term, it looks as though all this will change as they prepare to take on Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala. Assistant manager Colin Pascoe has cited the forthcoming clash as very difficult and has said that the club are probably going to select more senior players.

It would be fair to say that Liverpool have experienced a mixed Europa League campaign and the fact they sit in 3rd place in the group suggests that it hasn’t been as easy as some supporters predicted. While only two games have been played, this next clash against Anzhi is viewed as exceptionally important and could have a huge effect on whether or not the club qualify from Group A.

Unfortunately, the tie against Anzhi is probably one of the most difficult you can find in the competition this year. While the Russian outfit were practically unheard of several years ago, a high-profile takeover has transformed them into one of the most feared outfits in world football and they have managed to attract some of the top players in the game courtesy of some huge spending power.

Following on from the above, assistant Pascoe has spoken of his respect of Guus Hiddink’s side and said that Rodgers will probably select a stronger squad than normally. He said, “We have swapped and changed things around in Europe before this season but we are looking at this as a very important and hard game, and will probably go a bit stronger than we have done before. The boys are looking forward to Anzhi. Everton against Liverpool is a massive game, but it hasn’t been talked about and isn’t being thought about at the moment.”

Of course, the club have already shown weakness in the competition, after throwing away a lead to lose 3-2 at home to Udinese last time out.