FC Anzhi Makhachkala v Liverpool FC – Thursday 8th November – k/o: 17.00

Posted by ashleyrose-66 on November 5, 2012, 05:36:19 pm

FC Anzhi Makhachkala v Liverpool FC – Europa League – Thursday 8th November – k/o: 17.00

               

They may have a name that sounds like one of those inane Swedish electro-pop songs that has a dance that people do en-masse that takes Europe by storm, but they are actually a decent footballing outfit.

If you walked from stadium to stadium, it would take 606 hours…  If you decide to take the car, it’s only 55 hours to make the 2,903 mile trip across Europe to face Samuel Eto’o, Lacina Traore, Chris Samba and co.

Anzhi play in an old-fashioned “bowl” type stadium that has a capacity of just 16,100, 


however, they are not permitted to play UEFA matches there, so play their Europa League ties in in Moscow at the 28,000 Locomotiv Stadium.


 
Anzhi were bought in 2011 by Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov shortly after securing promotion to the Premier League from the Russian first division, where they had spent 7 seasons.
Kerimov wasted no time in splashing the cash, when he secured the services of Brazilian legendary left-back Roberto Carlos and fellow Brazilian Jucieli De Silva less than a month after taking control.  In the summer transfer window, Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o signed from Inter Milan for €28 million. 

Yes, it’s worth re-posting his salary breakdown for good measure as well:

Per Second: 60p
Per Minute: £36.00
Per Hour: £2,160
Per Day: £51,840
Per Week: £362,880
Per Month: £1,451,520
Per Year: £17,418,240

Kerimov is also reported to have set aside $200m for infrastructure, which includes plans for a new 40,000 stadium.  You get the impression Anzhi’s participation in this season’s Europa League will be a fleeting appearance and that regular Champions League qualification is likely to be on the horizon!

Anzhi currently sit second in the Premier League, just 1 point behind leaders CSKA Moscow at the half-way stage of the season. 
The sides met at Anfield just a fortnight ago, with Liverpool taking all 3 points courtesy of Liverpool left-back Stewart Downing’s - right foot - thunderbolt!  The win for Liverpool, coupled with a surprise defeat for Italians Udinese against the Young Boys of Switzerland mean Liverpool sit top of Group A with 6 points from their opening 3 fixtures.

Team news:  Liverpool will be without Lucas Leiva, Martin Kelly and Fabio Borini who are still recovering from long-term injuries, whilst Pepe Reina and Glen Johnson are unlikely to be risked after missing the draw with Newcastle with hamstring injuries. 
Liverpool travel to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, so manager Brendan Rodgers may take the opportunity to rotate the squad, and offer starts to Downing, Assaidi, Joe Cole, Carragher and Sebastian Coates.

*Edit* Discovered Anzhi play Europa League games in Moscow.

The game will be televised live on ITV4.

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