The scenes around Liverpool football club have been very positive ever since Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers as manager during the international break. The German, who has been bagging the headlines, will be eager to get his first victory as Liverpool manager in his Anfield debut as the Reds face Rubin Kazan on Thursday.
Though his first game in-charge was away at White Hart Lane against a strong Tottenham side, which resulted in a goalless draw, Klopp was relatively happy. But the team has to start winning and a victory at Kop will encourage the supporters for a positive association with the club.
Liverpool, who lie on second place in Group B of the Europa League, have not won a single game in the competition after drawing level against Brodeaux and Sion FC in their last two games. They should have atleast defeated Sion FC at home. However, that is history and with Klopp, fans are looking for a high voltage entertaining brand of football at Anfield.
It remains to be seen as to the team which Klopp picks for the home game as Rodgers used Europa league matches as an opportunity for youngsters to excel.
But, one wonders if Klopp will do the same, rather he might use this game for big players such as Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino, who have both been out due to injuries, to get into full fitness. Hence, the duo could be used as second half substitutes. However, Daniel Sturridge will not feature against Kazan.
"We have three players back in training – Benteke, Firmino and Lovren. That's good, more options, not really starting options but for the squad. Yesterday they joined team training and it was OK," Klopp told reporters.
"Now we will see what we need for this game, who we'll take with us and who will stay here for more training. But, of course, it's very good for us that these players are back."
Irrespective of the team Klopp picks for the game at Anfield, Liverpool cannot afford to take it easy against Kazan, who have defeated some big clubs in world football, including their champions league win against Barcelona at Nou Camp in 2009, though, their team have undergone major changes since then, the Russian side could spring in a surprise.
Kazan might be struggling in the Russian Premier League with three wins from 12 games, but they do possess some players, who can trouble Liverpool. Gokdeniz Karadeniz and Carlos Eduardo are two players, which Liverpool players have to keep an eye on.
Though they might not have any big names, who can be called world class, but Kazan players' does possess a huge heart and they give it their all in such matches and expect the same this time around.
Liverpool, who are favourites, will want to get their first three points of the Europa League at home, which could send them top of Group B depending on Sion's result with Bordeaux.
Where to watch live
Liverpool vs Rubin Kazan Europa League match has been scheduled for 9:05pm local time (12:35am IST, 8:05pm BST, 3:05pm ET). Viewers in India can watch the Liverpool vs Rubin Kazan Europa League match on Ten Action with live streaming option on Ten Sports Live.
Viewers in the UK can watch the Liverpool vs Rubin Kazan Europa League match live on BT Sport 2 with live streaming option on Watch BT Sport.
US viewers have the option of catching the Liverpool vs Rubin Kazan live on Fox Sports 1 USA; the match can also be live streamed online on FoxSoccer2Go.
Football fans in Russia can watch Liverpool vs Rubin Kazan Europa League match live on NTV Russia.
