Struggling Liverpool face tough Anzhi challenge
Liverpool's Europa League journey takes them to Russia on Wednesday, as manager Brendan Rodgers' struggling side takes on free-spending Anzhi Makhachkala, whose big money signings have turned the formerly minor club into a major player in Europe.
Liverpool's Europa League journey takes them to Russia on Wednesday, as manager Brendan Rodgers' struggling side takes on free-spending Anzhi Makhachkala, whose big money signings have turned the formerly minor club into a major player in Europe.
Liverpool has been winless in the three games since their last Europa League match, where a Stewart Downing goal gave them a 1-0 win at home to Anzhi.
The obvious threat for Anzhi is former Inter and Barcelona player Samuel Eto'o, purportedly the highest paid footballer in the world. Regular Liverpool center backs Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel will be tasked with stopping him.
However, Liverpool may be tempted to field 1.96m Sebastian Coates in central defence despite his relative inexperience, to counter the potential aerial threat of 2.03m striker Lacina Troare.
Close behind Liverpool and Anzhi is Udinese and Young Boys, who have four and three points, respectively. If Udinese win and Liverpool don't, the Italians will move ahead of them.