KAZAN, RUSSIA - Wednesday, November 4, 2015: Liverpool players during a training session at the Kazan Arena ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group Stage Group B match against FC Rubin Kazan. (Pic by Oleg Nikishin/Propaganda)

Liverpool lineup vs. Rubin Kazan – Full strength or a few changes?

We take a look at how Jurgen Klopp could line up his Liverpool side for a tricky European clash against Rubin Kazan.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, October 22, 2015: Liverpool's players line up for a team group photograph before the UEFA Europa League Group Stage Group B match against Rubin Kazan at Anfield. Back row L-R: Mamadou Sakho, Martin Skrtel, goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Divock Origi, Nathaniel Clyne, Emre Can. Front row L-R: Alberto Moreno, James Milner, Joe Allen, Philippe Coutinho Correia. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Klopp’s Reds go in search of a third consecutive victory when they take on Kazan in a game of real importance in Group B on Thursday night.

A first win of the Europa League campaign would put the Reds in a strong position with two games to go, while a defeat could leave Liverpool facing an uphill battle over the final matches to progress.

Klopp has taken a full strength squad to Russia – missing only those injured or ineligible – despite the close proximity between Thursday’s game and Crystal Palace’s arrival, and we take a look at the line up options available.

 

Team News

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 28, 2015: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp celebrates the first goal against AFC Bournemouth during the Football League Cup 4th Round match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

  • Full strength side set to play as Klopp takes strongest possible squad to Russia
  • Only those injured or ineligible remain on Merseyside
  • Jon Flanagan, Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge still sidelined
  • Jose Enrique and Joao Carlos Teixeira unavailable for Europa League selection
  • Youngsters Ryan Fulton, Pedro Chirivella and Cameron Brannagan included but Connor Randall left at home
  • Klopp could stick with same XI from 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge
  • But small amount of changes could be made with Sunday’s game in mind
  • Joe Allen, Jordon Ibe and Christian Benteke all available should Klopp alter starting team

 

Liverpool’s XI

With Klopp treating the Europa League as a priority rather than distraction, the German is set to name a strong XI in Kazan.

That could see the new boss stick with the side that romped to victory at Chelsea last time out, with little reason to alter the team that performed with such confidence to pick up the result of the season so far.

Klopp deciding to keep faith with those who did the job so emphatically last weekend would see Liverpool line up like so in the Kazan Arena:

Rubin Kazan Unchanged

The imminent clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday could tempt the new boss to make some adjustments to his side however.

Klopp could make three changes while maintaining a strong line up and producing sensible game management to those who need at the same time.

Allen could replace Lucas Leiva to play in midfield with Emre Can – preserving the Brazilian’s legs for Sunday – while the refreshed Ibe could enter for Adam Lallana.

With Roberto Firmino needing to be managed carefully after only just returning from injury, Benteke could take his place to spearhead the Reds attack.

Those alterations in a slight change of shape would see Klopp’s men look like this come 6pm kick-off time:

Rubin Kazan Changes

Klopp has enjoyed a positive start to life at Anfield, and Thursday night’s big clash in Russia offers the chance to take another progressive step with a third straight win.

Pick your XI: