Liverpool v FC Gomel preview
Reds looking to book their place in the Europa League play-offs
Last Updated: August 9, 2012 11:27am
Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool hold a narrow first leg lead over Gomel
Brendan Rodgers will lead Liverpool out for the first time at Anfield, as the Reds look to see off FC Gomel and reach the Europa League play-offs.
Liverpool's first competitive outing under their new boss saw them get off to a winning start, with a 1-0 first leg lead established in their continental clash with Gomel.
A solitary strike from Stewart Downing was enough to see the Reds to a narrow victory in Belarus.
Rodgers will believe that the hard work has already been done, with it unlikely that Liverpool will be turned over on home soil.
They are, however, aware that they cannot afford to relax, with only one goal separating the two sides.
Serious
Ideally, the Reds would like to net early on in front of their own supporters and put the tie to bed.
Gomel offered enough during the first encounter to suggest that they will not roll over, but they will have experienced few occasions like a European night at Anfield.
The Europa League may not be a priority for Liverpool this season, and they would have to take in 19 fixtures if they are to go all the way, but the side selected by Rodgers last week suggests he is taking the competition seriously.
Mid-summer action is also allowing the Reds to build their fitness up gradually and ease fresh faces and returning stars back into their first-team plans.
Luis Suarez is among those who could be recalled on Thursday, with the Uruguay striker back from Olympic duty and buoyed by the signing of a new long-term contract.
Pepe Reina may also be involved after missing the first leg, with the Spanish shot-stopper having been granted an extended pre-season break on the back of his involvement at Euro 2012.
Condition
Joe Cole misses out, though, after picking up a minor hamstring injury in Belarus, denying him another opportunity to impress Rodgers following his return from a loan spell at Lille.
"It's not as serious as first thought but he will probably miss out the Gomel game and be fit and ready a couple of days after that," Rodgers told the Reds' official website on Cole.
"It wasn't serious, just a little nick on his hamstring but apart from that everyone else is fit and some players have got some game time and some extra work in.
"Their condition is better, even though it's only a week on from the last game against Gomel, and that will stand them in good stead."
Gomel will be without Alexey Timoshenko after allowing the midfielder to join FC Belshine Bobruisk on loan for the remainder of their domestic season.
Artur Levitzki and Vadzim Demidovich could also miss out, with Denis Yakhno and Ihar Kuznmenok likely to be drafted in.
