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

[ashleyrose-66]

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.

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

Blimey that Dinamo stadium brings back some memories.  Mainly of being fucking cold in all honesty.

[peachybum]

Anybody know if Anzhi have a full squad? Any injuries or suspensions?

[kopitecrash]

We're going to lose is my prediction. We need a strong squad for Chelsea and we are off to hostile climes with youth players. It is going to be a fierce baptism of fire for anyone introduced and I think this game is a write off. I think a draw would be massive to be honest with you. would certainly put us in a decent position for Udinese and Young Boys.

[B0151?]

Morgan and Coady not featuring for the U21s tonight so good chance they will be in the squad.

[Earl of Dingleberry]

Joe Cole deserves another chance in the ice cold Moscow night.

[sidneyroughdiamond]

Joe Cole deserves another chance in the ice cold Moscow night.

Superkings on standby.

[-Willo-]

Win this and we're basically through.

[Twelfth Man]

Yesil playing tonight in the U-21's means Suarez to play? Was hoping he could be rested with the c*nt's coming up.

[Twelfth Man]

Joe Cole deserves another chance in the ice cold Moscow night.

Do they play in Moscow? I thought they are from Dagestan. I share your sentiments btw...

[LucyLFC]

Would like to see the likes of Gerrard, Agger, Suarez, Allen and Skrtel being rested for this game. Would rather keep them for Chelsea.

[TepidT2O]

Do they play in Moscow? I thought they are from Dagestan. I share your sentiments btw...

They aren't allowed to play UEFA matches in Dagestan......


A few "local" difficulties you understand!

[NorthamptonKopite]

Really enjoying the Europa league this year, there's been some really great games. Praying we can reach the knockout stages. Winning this trophy would be massive.

People put this tournament down in England but I think it's pretty darn good. Far better than the FA or League cup.

Come on you redmen!

[Andy]

Morgan and Coady not featuring for the U21s tonight so good chance they will be in the squad.

I'd like Morgan to get a chance to play as an out-and-out striker if possible, thought he looked good earlier in the season.

[Fordy]

What does Ngoo got to do to get a chance I wonder?

[Caligula?]

Can't see us getting anything here, not with the Chelsea match looming. To go through I think we'll try and grab at least a point in Italy then hope to smash Young Boys at home.

[LucyLFC]

Can't see us getting anything here, not with the Chelsea match looming. To go through I think we'll try and grab at least a point in Italy then hope to smash Young Boys at home.

Agreed. I think Rodger's will definitely put out a second string side and keep the big players for Sunday. I'd be happy with a point away and hopefully get good results in Italy and at Anfield against Young Boys.

[G8S7]

What does Ngoo got to do to get a chance I wonder?

And Dani.

[luckyluke]

TEXEIRA!!!

[Phil M]

TEXEIRA!!!

Bless you.

[G8S7]

TEXEIRA!!!

Ibe. 

[Thog]

I'd be very disappointed if Morgan and Coady travelled to Russia and the likes of Yesil, Teixeira, Pacheco and Adorjan, who are far more worthy of chances, don't.

Completely unjustified if true because Coady has been pretty poor this season and was poor last season and Morgan may have the work ethic but you also require the talent to play for Liverpool Football Club and for me he doesn't possess it.

I know they are young kids but when you look at the four I mentioned and then Morgan and Coady, there's a clear difference in talent. Funnily enough those two are English, the others are not. No wonder England have been so shit over the years, just don't have the technical ability. Then apparently Morgan thinks he's made it. Not the right attitude at all.

[farawayred]

We need at least a point in Russia not so much to ensure our progression, but to stop Anzhi's climb. Our next game is a must-win against Young Boys, while Anzhi and Udiense battle it out for points (which will be pretty interesting). If we lose and Udinese wins, it's going to be a bit of a scramble toward the finish line...

With that in mind, and considering the coming game against Chelsea at the weekend, I'd play a blend of youth and more senior players. But more importantly, we may want to consider playing five at the back - Carra, Coates and Skrtel in the center (to give Agger a break), Robinson on the left and Wisdon on the right. CMs  - Henderson and Shelvey, Assaidi and Downing on the flanks and Yesil upfront. The bad part is that Skrtel won't get a rest that way, but something has to give, and I feel that if Cole played we'd be already down to 10 men from the off...

[SYLENTm]

In the previous game at Anfield they didn't really do anything, avoid any brainfarts and at least a draw is guaranteed.

[Kop202]

Wonder how many fans Anzhi bring. Moscow is 1100 miles away from Makhachkala. It is as if we would play our home games in Athens.

[Redwhiteandnotblue]

There was a post here a minute ago from someone suggesting that Cole should start. Clearly a kindly mod deleted it before the poor misguided soul became the target for abuse.

Is it a reward or a punishment to be sent to Siberia at this time of year?

[Fordy]

I'd be very disappointed if Morgan and Coady travelled to Russia and the likes of Yesil, Teixeira, Pacheco and Adorjan, who are far more worthy of chances, don't.

Completely unjustified if true because Coady has been pretty poor this season and was poor last season and Morgan may have the work ethic but you also require the talent to play for Liverpool Football Club and for me he doesn't possess it.

I know they are young kids but when you look at the four I mentioned and then Morgan and Coady, there's a clear difference in talent. Funnily enough those two are English, the others are not. No wonder England have been so shit over the years, just don't have the technical ability. Then apparently Morgan thinks he's made it. Not the right attitude at all.

Add Ngoo to your list.

[kopitecrash]

I'd be very disappointed if Morgan and Coady travelled to Russia and the likes of Yesil, Teixeira, Pacheco and Adorjan, who are far more worthy of chances, don't.

Completely unjustified if true because Coady has been pretty poor this season and was poor last season and Morgan may have the work ethic but you also require the talent to play for Liverpool Football Club and for me he doesn't possess it.

I know they are young kids but when you look at the four I mentioned and then Morgan and Coady, there's a clear difference in talent. Funnily enough those two are English, the others are not. No wonder England have been so shit over the years, just don't have the technical ability. Then apparently Morgan thinks he's made it. Not the right attitude at all.

There is barely a thing here I agree with. Yesil as of yet, has proved nothing - Morgan is a prolific scorer at reserve level where Yesil has made little impact. Then there's Tex who is literally just starting to get time for the reserves - again, not ready to be introduced when he hasn't even completed a game for the reserves yet.

Then we have Pacheco who has been okay, for the reserves, before today. Certainly there isn't justification to be giving him games ahead of Suso or Sterling, and certainly not Suarez or Shelvey. Adorjan, I could possibly grant you - but then we're perfectly well stocked in attacking mid positions. The same cannot be said for defensive mid, where Coady has been solid this season - certainly not poor.

'Funnily enough, those two are English.'

As is Suso? Yesil, who has debuted in a serious game ahead of Morgan? I struggle to find reasons right now as to why Yesil is 'far more worthy of chances' besides reputation from his goal record in Germany. Now don't take this the wrong way - I hope Yesil has a great career here, but people are acting like he has done more then he actually has.

'Then apparently Morgan thinks he's made it.'

On what basis? On the basis of a sentence in a nightclub? Morgan has always had an excellent attitude - and nothing he has done on the pitch is any evidence that his attitude has changed. If anything, he is just getting better.

[mrsphilthefish]

Hi everyone, if you haven't already then please make sure you've signed the epetition for Anne Williams before you write anymore posts on RAWK

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/40925

Thanks 

[TheGOAT]

A full team of younguns might be the best bet here anyway! Seniors players in these games can often be lazy, disinterested, pissed off, feel it's below them etc. Not just us thats guilty of it either to be fair, a similar attitude cost Man Utd their CL place last season.

A defeat isn't the end of the world anyway mind, just need to beat Young Boys at home and draw in Italy and we'd be through.

[rushyman]

I see ITV4 have got us '1-0 up from the first leg' in their synopsis of the programme

Nicely set up then...

[-HH-]

I see ITV4 have got us '1-0 up from the first leg' in their synopsis of the programme

Nicely set up then...

I reckon we'll lose 2-1 on the night but go through on away goals.

[rushyman]

I reckon we'll lose 2-1 on the night but go through on away goals.

Get in!

[Number 7]

Interesting dilemma for Rodgers with Chelsea coming up. No senior strikers apart from Suarez. Yesil played against Swansea but didn't get much joy, and just didn't look ready for the first team.

Morgan hasn't really been involved in the first team lately, and almost since Hearts.

I know Borini hadn't set the world alight in terms of goals, but he was playing reasonably well I thought. Such a shame he's out.

[Phil M]

I reckon we'll lose 2-1 on the night but go through on away goals.

Can see this one going to penos.

[Red Genius]

Let's smash them! Be a toughie but i expect the boys to do us proud.... come on you redmen!

[-HH-]

Can see this one going to penos.

Certainly won't be surprised if I'm up past my bedtime waiting for the match to finish...

[john_mac]

Will be boss, maybe not

[decky]

Looks like Gerrard and Suarez could be staying at home

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/9657046/Liverpool-captain-Steven-Gerrard-and-team-mate-Luis-Suarez-could-be-rested-for-Europa-League-trip-to-Russia.html

[belfast-connection]

What does Ngoo got to do to get a chance I wonder?

Agreed - we tried Yesil and he doesn't look ready - to me it looked a mix of not being physically ready and not having the confidence at this level

N'goo at least has the physicality that is required to hold a ball up for a while

He may not be fancied but I can't see what harm giving him a shot would do