Liverpool v Anzhi Makhachkala likely line-ups and key battles

Liverpool head into their Europa League clash with Anzhi Makhachkala looking to rectify their surprise defeat against Udinese last time out. Brendan Rodgers' side looked shaky against the Italians and were rightfully punished, but they will not be given an easy ride as they bid to avoid the the unwanted statistic of being the only Liverpool side to lose two home European fixtures in a row.

Anzhi will be looking to build on their own impressive start to the season, and the Russian Premier League leaders will hope they can consolidate their position atop of group A, as the group stages reaches its mid-way point.

It is shaping up to be an interesting encounter, and below are the potential line-ups and a handful of key battles to watch out for.

Luis Suarez v Christopher Samba
Suarez has undoubtedly been the source of Liverpool's creativity this season, and the Reds will once against turn to him for inspiration in front of goal. The Uruguayan has linked up well with Nuri Sahin when the latter has featured, so expect Rodgers to pair them again on Thursday night as he looks to unlock a resolute Anzhi side.

Suarez, however, has been wasteful in front of goal this season, and he will struggle to get the same amount of chances he had against Reading at the weekend. With former Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba leading the Anzhi back-line, Suarez will have to be patient and more clinical when presented with an opportunity. Samba has impressed at Anzhi this season, and while they have found no difficulty in scoring, their real strength has come in Samba's organisation in defence.

Glen Johnson v Yuri Zhirkov
Despite being deployed as a left-back against Reading at the weekend, Glen Johnson is likely to find himself in his more familiar right-sided role, with Jose Enrique coming in for Andre Wisdom. Wisdom performed well against Reading, but with Liverpool needing a result against Anzhi, expect Rodgers to play it safe on Thursday night.

Johnson will therefore be given more of a licence to venture into attack on occasion, but he will be met by Chelsea's former full-back Yuri Zhirkov, who will be operating in a similar fashion. The battle between these two attack-minded defenders will be fascinating as they both look to exploit each others' defensive fallibilities.

Jamie Carragher v Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o's mega-money deal to sign for Anzhi has come to typify the direction and ambition of the Russian pretenders. However, he will ultimately have the say on Thursday night whether they really are European contenders. Eto'o's eye for goal hasn't waned since his move east, with the Cameroon international boasting 13 goals in 17 appearances already this season.

Jamie Carragher will be tasked with keeping Eto'o under wraps, and he will have his work cut out doing so. Eto'o's partnerships with Mbark Boussoufa and Lacina Traore have bore fruit this season, so Carragher and Sebastian Coates will have to keep their backline in order. Carragher's experience will be vital.

Eto'o linking up well with Traore

Possible line-ups

Liverpool XI
Jones, Jose Enrique, Carragher, Coates, Johnson, Allen, Gerrard, Shelvey, Assaidi, Downing, Suarez

Anzhi Makhachkala XI
Gabulov, Zhirkov, Joao Carlos, Samba, Agalarov, Carcela, Smolov, Jucilei, Traore, Boussoufa, Eto'o

Can Liverpool keep Samuel Eto'o at bay? Or will the Reds face their second European home defeat in a row? Have your say by commenting below...