Liverpool vs. Young Boys: Predicting Reds Lineup for Europa League Clash

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Liverpool made it to the Europa League group stage by virtue of a heart-attack-inducing 2-1 aggregate scoreline against Scottish side Hearts.

Now, in the following months, Liverpool will face off against Swiss side BSC Young Boys, free-spending Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala and Serie A mainstays Udinese.

Liverpool have never played any of these sides in a competitive match, so it's a little bit of uncharted territory for Brendan Rodgers and his Liverpool squad.

The Reds will kick off their Europa League group stage journey against Young Boys on Thursday in Switzerland, so let's take a look at the potential lineup Brendan Rodgers could throw out against their Swiss opposition.

GK: Pepe Reina

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I actually don't like that Pepe Reina will probably start. He hasn't been himself for the past season-and-a-half and could use a bit of time on the bench to rest and gain a little bit of perspective.

I would love to see Brad Jones, or even Peter Gulacsi, start this one, but it will probably be Reina between the pipes on Thursday.

LB: Glen Johnson

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With Jose Enrique seemingly still battling to get back to full fitness, Glen Johnson will probably make the move to left back, with Martin Kelly probably getting the start at right back.

Stewart Downing has also been playing left back as of late, so he could get the start as well.

CB: Martin Skrtel

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Since Manchester United comes up on Sunday, BR will probably rest some of his key starters. Since Martin Skrtel is fitter than Daniel Agger, the Slovakian will probably get the start.

CB: Sebastian Coates

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This will be a great chance for Sebastian Coates to get some first-team action in since, barring a major injury to either Skrtel or Agger, the Uruguayan will probably rarely see it in the Premier League.

Coates will be able to showcase his height and strength in this one.

RB: John Flanagan

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I really want Flanno to start this one, as it presents a perfect opportunity for him to get in the first team and show BR what he's made of.

Plus, again with Man U coming up on the weekend, Martin Kelly will need the rest.

CDM: Joe Allen

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Joe Allen will again hold down the midfield in that holding midfield role, controlling the game with his passing and vision.

CM: Nuri Sahin

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Nuri Sahin sat on the bench in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Sunderland, so look for him to be included in this draw on Thursday.

Liverpool are going to need someone to provide a scoring threat from midfield and, even though Sahin's debut wasn't anything to remember, he has the ability to be a threat from the center of the park.

CM: Jonjo Shelvey

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With Steven Gerrard still not playing up to scratch and with Man U coming up, I can't see BR bringing him along on this trip to Switzerland.

Jonjo Shelvey didn't have a great game against Sunderland, but he's been hot and cold this season so far.

Let's just hope Thursday night is one of his hot days.

LW: Luis Suarez

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Liverpool is simply too shallow up top to not have Suarez start, although I'm hoping that BR moves the Uruguayan to the left side.

Suarez will be able to run in from the side more effectively instead of just trying to penetrate the defense up the middle all night.

RW: Raheem Sterling

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Raheem Sterling has just been too good to not start Thursday night.

Liverpool are going to need his playmaking abilities down that right side, as Sterling has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Reds so far and will continue to be so Thursday night.

He might even notch his first Liverpool competitive goal.