Zenit vs Liverpool Preview

February 13, 2013 By Gregory Sica

The Reds will be hoping to return home with a positive result from what is expected to be a tricky Europa League trip to Russia.

Since thrashing Norwich City 5-0 in the English Premier League on Jan 19, Liverpool have not managed to win any of their following four games, including an embarrassing home defeat to West Bromwich Albion last weekend, but have no margin for error against Zenit Saint Petersburg at the Stadion Petrovskij on Thursday.

Liverpool will have to overcome freezing conditions in Russia, but as well as this a difficult Zenit outfit who have made a name for themselves in Europe in recent years.

The Russians lifted the UEFA Cup in 2008, when they beat Rangers 2-0 in the final in Manchester, and they went on to lift the UEFA Super Cup that same year, by upsetting European heavyweights Manchester United 2-1 in Monaco.

Luciano Spalletti, the Italian coach of Zenit, will be delighted by the fact that he will be able to field a full-strength line-up for the clash, which includes the likes of captain Danny and Brazilian international Hulk.

Zenit have never been beaten by an English side at home, and will be hoping that this remains the same at the conclusion of the Europa League Round of 32 first leg clash.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers just has a couple of injury concerns, as Raheem Sterling will miss the game through illness, as will long-term absentee Martin Kelly. Meanwhile, 23-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge is cup-tied after having represented Chelsea in Europe earlier in the season.

Due to Sturridge's absence, the Reds will heavily rely on the attacking prowess of Uruguayan scoring-machine Luis Suarez.

But rather than scoring goals, perhaps Liverpool should concentrate on organising their defence, as they have conceded no less than nine goals in their last four matches in all competitions.