Liverpool face an extremely stiff Europa League challenge, as they must overcome the Italians to progress to the next round of the competition.
Brendan Rodgers' side currently find themselves in second place of Group A with 7 points, three points behind group leaders Anzhi Makhachkala with 10. However, if the Reds fail to win in Udine and Young Boys manage to beat Anzhi at home the Swiss side will overtake Liverpool and essentially reach the next round instead.
One factor that may reduce Liverpool's chances of obtaining the desired result on Thursday is that they will be unable to count with the presence of captain Steven Gerrard, with illness preventing his participation. Other players that will miss out are the injured pair of Fabio Borini and Martin Kelly.
Star striker Luis Suarez may be suspended for Sunday's English Premier League clash with West Ham, but he has been confirmed in Liverpool's starting eleven. The Uruguayan international will be the lone striker up front at the Stadio Friuli and Liverpool's fate could definitely depend on his performance.
Meanwhile rivals Udinese, who will only be playing for pride, have numerous players sidelined due to injury including Dusan Basta, Andrea Lazzari, Giampiero Pinzi, Maurizio Domizzi and Luis Muriel, who broke his leg last month.
Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin is expected to rest his key players for the contest, meaning prolific striker Antonio Di Natale will likely sit out the match. Diego Fabbrini and Mathias Ranegie are Guidolin's desired front pair.
Brazilian midfielder Willians, who joined the club from Flamengo at the beginning of the season, is suspended.
The fact that the Reds will be up against second-string rivals should increase their chances of progressing, even if the Italians are usually very strong when playing in front of their home fans.
Udinese's last four matches
Dec 2, 2012: Udinese 4-1 Cagliari (Italian Serie A)
Nov 27, 2012: Lazio 3-0 Udinese (Italian Serie A)
Nov 22, 2012: Anzhi 2-0 Udinese (Europa League)
Nov 18, 2012: Udinese 2-2 Parma (Italian Serie A)
Liverpool's last four matches
Dec 1, 2012: Liverpool 1-0 Southampton (English Premier League)
Nov 28, 2012: Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool (English Premier League)
Nov 25, 2012: Swansea 0-0 Liverpool (English Premier League)
Nov 22, 2012: Liverpool 2-2 Young Boys (Europa League)
Facts
- Udinese have won two out of four games against English teams in European competition, with their wins coming against Tottenham and Liverpool.
- Liverpool have just won eight out of 24 European games against Italian teams, with the remaining games ending in five draws and eleven losses.
