Sitting atop Group A with six points, the Liverpool FC (2-0-1) squad will look to continue their winning ways when they take on Anzhi Makhachkala (1-1-1) at Locomotiv Stadium in a Thursday night UEFA Europa League showdown.

At the halfway point of the season, Group A is shaping up to be a very close race with Anzhi and Udinese Calcio currently in a second place tie with four points apiece behind Liverpool. The Reds will be going into their match against Anzhi with a significant lack of depth, as several of the football club's key players will not be partaking in the match. They include Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen, Nuri Sahin, Raheem Sterling, Jose Enrique and Pepe Reina.

Skipper Brendan Rodgers addressed his decision to withhold the respective footballers from Thursday's Europa League game, according to Liverpool Echo.

"We want to get into a position where we can compete on all fronts but because of the delicacy of the group we have to be careful," he said. "Our priority is the league. And unfortunately if I have to then sacrifice other competitions and manage that the best I can because we aren't maybe in a strong enough state as a squad, then that's what I'll have to do."

In their last game, the English club pulled out a 1-0 victory at Anfield. If Liverpool is able to walk away from their game in Russia with even a mere point, it would still be a huge step toward qualification for the next round. On the other hand, a victory for Anzhi would go a long way in allowing the Russians to progress in the standings, with the Udinese more than likely to pick up three points when they host the Young Boys in another one of the group's games.

CLICK HERE to watch Liverpool FC face off against Anzhi Makhachkala via free live stream. Coverage of the game is set to begin at 17:00 GMT on Thursday, Nov. 8.

Tags
International Soccer