Preview & Prediction: Rubin Kazan vs Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool travel to Rubin Kazan hoping to claim their first win in this season’s Europa League.

The German picked up his first Premier League victory as Reds boss at Chelsea on Saturday and has yet to taste defeat in any of his five matches in charge.

However, the Russian side, who also go into the match looking for their first European win of the campaign, are yet to lose at home to an English side in competitive football having beaten Wigan Athletic, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur by a one-goal margin in their three previous home fixtures against Premier League opposition.

Liverpool also have a poor record in Russia. The Reds have won just six of their 12 matches against Russian sides, losing three of their five away matches.

Following the 1-1 draw a fortnight ago, the Anfield side are second in Group B on three points, one point ahead of third placed Rubin and four behind surprise leaders FC Sion.

Emre Can scored Liverpool’s equaliser at Anfield a fortnight ago

Team News

With a result needed, Klopp has taken a full-strength side with him on the 3,300km journey.

This is in stark contrast to the selection policy of his predecessor, Brendan Rodgers, who decided to leave six senior players on Merseyside for their opening trip to Bordeaux.

Christian Benteke could be in line for his first start, having made three substitute appearances since returning from injury.

Christian Benteke is expected to start in Russia

Youngsters Pedro Chirivella, Cameron Brannagan and back-up goalkeeper Ryan Fulton also travelled with the squad, while Connor Randall, who made his debut in the Reds’ League Cup win over Bournemouth, has remained on Merseyside.

Midfielder Joao Teixeira, who also starred in the win over the Cherries, is ineligible.

Rubin Kazan are still without a permanent manager. Valeri Chaly has been in temporary charge since Rinat Bilyaletdinov was dismissed in September.

For the hosts, captain Oleg Kuzmin will miss the match through suspension due to his red card at Anfield.

Marko Devic, who scored in front of the Kop two weeks ago, will again lead the line for Rubin.

Group Position: Rubin Kazan – 3rd (2 points); Liverpool – 2nd (3 points)
Last Meeting: Liverpool 1-1 Rubin Kazan, October 22, 2015
Key Men: Rubin Kazan – Marko Devic; Liverpool – Christian Benteke
Form: Rubin Kazan – DLWDLW; Liverpool – DDDDWW
Shoot Says: Rubin Kazan 1-2 Liverpool