Liverpool v FC Sion preview: Rodgers to rotate again
Thursday 1 October 2015 19:15, UK
Liverpool host FC Sion in the Europa League on Thursday (kick-off 8.05pm) as they look to get their European campaign up and running.
The Reds could only manage a 1-1 draw in their opening game to Bordeaux earlier this month, while their Swiss opponents currently top Group B after a 2-1 home victory over Rubin Kazan.
Liverpool face Everton on Super Sunday three days after the visit of FC Sion, so Brendan Rodgers may have one eye on that crucial Premier League fixture when the Swiss club visit Merseyside.
FC Sion currently sit fifth in the Swiss Super League - 13 points behind leaders Basel - after a run of form that led club chairman Christian Constantin to say his players "should be ashamed to be paid".
Team news
Rodgers confirmed in his press conference that he views the Europa League as an opportunity for players on the fringes of the first team, so Daniel Sturridge will not be involved against FC Sion.
The England international will be kept back for the trip to Everton on Sunday.
"We'll keep him fresh for the weekend," Rodgers said. "He's still building his way towards fitness.
"Our approach to this game will be how it's been in the competition so far; it's an opportunity for players on the fringes."
Rodgers also said that 18-year-old midfielder Jordan Rossiter will feature again after the Liverpool youngster made his European debut against Bordeaux on matchday one.
Opta stats
Liverpool faced Swiss opposition in last year's Champions League group stage, losing 1-0 in Basel and drawing 1-1 at Anfield in the final group game.
The defeat to Basel is the Reds' only defeat in their last 11 meetings with Swiss sides in Europe (W6 D4).
Sion have shipped 20 goals in their last five away games in the UEFA Cup, losing on each occasion.
The Reds have won four of their last seven home European games at Anfield. The sides to take points off them in that run are Real Madrid (Liverpool lost 3-0) and two Swiss teams (Basel 1-1 and Young Boys 2-2).
Moussa Konate scored both of Sion's goals in MD1 versus Rubin Kazan.
The only player of Liverpool's current squad who scored for them in Europe last season was Jordan Henderson (v Ludogorets), who will miss this game due to injury.
Only Fedor Smolov (11) of Krasnodar attempted more dribbles than Sion's Carlitos in MD1 (10). Liverpool's Jordon Ibe attempted nine.
Paul Merson's prediction
They need to win. Are they assured of getting in the top four this season? I'm not sure.
So the longer they stay in the Europa League, the better chance they have of getting in the Champions League.
I expect them to win this game, even though they've got a massive match on Sunday against Everton. I think they'll win this 3-0."
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (Sky Bet odds 12/1)
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