Preview & Prediction: Liverpool vs Rubin Kazan

Jurgen Klopp will manage Liverpool at Anfield for the first time when his side take on Russian side Rubin Kazan on Thursday.

The Reds secured a goalless draw at Tottenham in their first match under the German but now their attention turns towards securing their first European win of the season.

In their opening two Europa League Group B matches – under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers – the Reds were held 1-1 by both Bordeaux and Sion.

Having started as Liverpool’s lone striker against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, Divock Origi is likely to lead the line once again.

The Belgium international, signed from Lille in the summer of 2014, is still searching for his first goal for the club after hitting the bar at White Hart Lane.

England forward Daniel Sturridge will not be risked after missing the Spurs game with an injury but he is expected to return against Southampton on Sunday.

In better news, Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Dejan Lovren could all make the bench after returning from injury.

Rubin Kazan also sacked their manager earlier this season; Rinat Bilyaletdinov losing his job and Valeriy Chaly being put in temporary charge following a poor start to the season.

However, Chaly has won just two of his eight matches and they have just one point from their opening two Group B games after losing at Sion and drawing at home to Bordeaux.

Igor Portnyagin is likely to start in attack, while full-back Oleg Kuzmin could be a threat having scored twice in the win over FC Ufa at the weekend.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will return to Merseyside, having made more than 50 appearances for arch-rivals Everton between 2009 and 2012.

Group Position: Liverpool – 2nd (2 points); Rubin Kazan – 4th (1 point)
Last Meeting: N/A
Key Men: Liverpool – Adam Lallana; Rubin Kazan – Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
Form: Liverpool – DWWDDD; Rubin Kazan – LDLDLW
Shoot Says: Liverpool 2-0 Rubin Kazan