Liverpool vs. Rubin Kazan: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info
Liverpool host Russian side Rubin Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday night—the first home game in charge for new manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds drew their opening two Europa League games 1-1, against Bordeaux and FC Sion, therefore meaning Klopp's side need to collect three points in order to take control of group B.
Former manager Brendan Rodgers rotated his squad heavily for those opening two games, but Klopp will be keen to start his Anfield era with a win—and also has a heavily injury-hit squad from which to pick from.
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Kazan arrive on Merseyside with their own new manager recently appointed. Last month, the inexperienced Valeri Chaly took over from the dismissed Rinat Bilyaletdinov, who is the father of former Everton midfielder, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov—Kazan's most recognisable name.
These two sides have never played each other before, with Kazan becoming the Reds' 121st different European opponent.
After his goals against Bordeaux and FC Sion in the two previous group games, Adam Lallana is seeking to score three goals in the opening three games of a European campaign—others to have done so are Roger Hunt, Terry McDermott and Steven Gerrard.
Match Information
Date: Thursday, 22 October 2015
Time: 8:05 p.m. BST / 3:05 p.m. EST
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
TV Info: BT Sport / FOX Sports 1 and FOX Soccer 2Go
Live Stream: BT Sport (UK) / FOX Soccer 2Go
Form Lines
Liverpool
Liverpool's form in recent weeks has been decidedly average, undefeated in their last seven games, but winning just once in their last 10 games in all competitions.
Klopp's side drew their first match under the new manager on Saturday, holding in-form Tottenham to a 0-0 draw.
Drew 0-0 vs. Tottenham
Drew 1-1 vs. Everton
Drew 1-1 vs. FC Sion (Europa League)
Won 3-2 vs. Aston Villa
Drew 2-2 vs. Carlisle United (League Cup)
Rubin Kazan
Asked to describe Rubin Kazan's form this season, Russian football expert Toke Theilade told This Is Anfield: "One word: Awful.
"After 12 games the Tatars have only collected 10 points and scored 11 goals. On top of this Rubin were eliminated by FNL side SKA Energiya in the Russian Cup."
Kazan sit 12th in the 16-team Russian league.
Won 3-1 vs. UFA
Lost 2-1 vs. Terek Grozny
Drew 0-0 vs. Bordeaux (Europa League)
Lost 2-1 vs. Ural
Lost 2-0 vs. SKA Energiya (Russian Cup)
Predicted Formation
Klopp explained in his pre-match press conference ahead of this game that Daniel Sturridge won't be fit, but attacking duo Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino have returned to training. Neither, though, are expected to start so Divock Origi is likely to continue up front.
Klopp will have one eye on Sunday's home match against Southampton, but he is unable to make too many changes due to the injuries within the squad.
There's no cover available at full-back, so Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne will continue. Dejan Lovren and/or Kolo Toure could come in at centre-back, but Klopp may instead opt to find continuity in his back four.
In midfield, Joe Allen will likely replace Emre Can or James Milner, who have both played a lot of minutes already this season. While in attack, Jordon Ibe could come in for Philippe Coutinho or Adam Lallana.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno, Allen, Can, Coutinho, Ibe, Origi, Lallana.
Players to Watch
Liverpool: Alberto Moreno
Spanish left-back Moreno was much maligned for his defensive abilities in the latter stages of Rodgers' reign at Anfield, but the youngster has always looked like a player who needs help on the training field to improve the defensive side of his game.
The match at Tottenham was the first time he'd started as a regular left-back, rather than wing-back, since the 6-1 debacle at Stoke City at the end of last season. He already looks more solid.
With further time for Klopp to get his ideas across, Moreno could become a key man under the German, who likes full-backs to break at pace, something the 23-year-old is certainly capable of.
Kazan: Carlos Eduardo
"It is difficult to get around the Brazilian, Carlos Eduardo," says Theilade.
"Even though he hasn’t really hit the highs from last season, he is still Rubin’s most creative player."
Eduardo, 28, is a creative attacker capable of playing anywhere across the front line behind the main striker. He has two goals and three assists in 16 appearances this season.
Theilade also points to 22-year-old midfielder Magomed Ozdoev—"After falling short at Lokomotiv, he was revived at Rubin Kazan, where he has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in Russia."
Key Battle: Origi vs. Kazan defence
While Origi performed well at Tottenham, the Belgium youngster will need to start adding goals to his game, and this match presents an opportunity to grab his first goal for the club.
That first Premier League start against Spurs was actually the first time the 20-year-old had started in his favoured centre-forward role, and he should build on that and the new manager's faith in him. A goal would cap a great week and give him the confidence boost he needs.
It will be key to give Origi plenty of support in attack, with runners from midfield and the full-backs providing width.
Odds (via Oddschecker)
Liverpool to win: 8/15
Draw: 17/5
Kazan to win: 41/5
Prediction
Liverpool 2-0 Rubin Kazan
