Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has left Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez out of his squad for tonight’s tie in Moscow. Rodgers has opted not to take several first-team players, possibly with one eye on the Premier League game against Chelsea at the weekend.

Joe Allen, Nuri Sahin, Daniel Agger, Jose Reina, Glen Johnson and Raheem Sterling have not travelled.

Midfielder Joe Cole does make the trip to Russia.

The 30-year-old has struggled to force his way into the Liverpool first team this season, having made just four appearances.

Youngsters Stephen Sama, Adam Morgan and Conor Coady are all named.

Liverpool are top of Europa League Group A with six points following wins over Young Boys and tonight’s opponents Anzhi.

A victory at the Lokomotiv stadium would virtually guarantee Liverpool’s place in the knockout stage.

Anzhi, meanwhile, are second in the group with four points, but could go above Liverpool with a victory.

Leading their attack is likely to be former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o.