After waiting what felt like an eternity for Klopps first match, his second is just 4 days away. It will be interesting to see where the Europa League fits into Klopp's priorities.
Our first glimpse of Klopps european aspirations come against Rubin Kazan. Currently 12th in the Russian Premier League and bottom of Group B, they are not exactly in flying form at the moment. They are finding goals hard to come by at the moment (not entirely different to ourselves). In 12 league games they have scored 11 goals and conceded 18. In those 12 games they have failed to score 5 times. But of course they won their last match 3-1 against second from bottom Fk Ufa. Last time out in Europe they drew 0-0 with Bordeaux, hitting the woodwork twice near the end of the game. They seem to usually play a 4-2-3-1 in Russia but against Bordeaux they went 4-4-2:
I imagine they will look for something similar at Anfield. If that is the case there could be a few changes, the bitters old mate Bilyaletdinov has played for them 8 times this season and scored two goals, Nabilliun at LB is actually a midfielder, they have 20 year old called Cotungo who has featured 10 times who could come in in his place. And Kannunikov at RW is a forward by trade. Away from home could see Georgiev reintroduced to solidify the midfield for them.
For us I think they key to this game will be how we work down the wings, Kuzmin is 34 years old and as I say Nabilliun isn't actually a LB, and is a very young 20 years old. In my opinion we have the quality, pace and power to make the most of this. But at the same time we need to be solid. I would look at going with:
I know we have Benteke, Sturridge and Firminho back in training this week, but I don't think we need to rush them in for this. A few minutes in the second half for whoever is the sharpest should be plenty. I think the back 5 picks itself in terms of a solid unit. And it also allows us to use the attacking capabilities of Clyne and Moreno out wide, where I feel we can hurt them most. Skrtel and Sakho are our best combination, and although Kazans strikers haven't been the most potent yet, it's not a risk to take. 3 points and a clean sheet are there for us if we play our game and keep our focus.
The two central midfielders is very much up for debate. I feel both Can and Allen have the engines for Klopps game as well as the creative spark for when we do get the ball in more threatening areas. It may seem harsh on Lucas after how well he played on Saturday, but I think we will see more of the ball here and as such, I think Can and Allens attributes would suit better.
Out wide I think Milner and Ibe interchanging can cause plenty of problems, especially if Clyne and Moreno are overlapping. Milner may not be overly happy but like I say, I think Can and Allen suit better in the middle of the park, and Milners aggression and experience can open space and Ibes pace and power will cause them all sorts of problems.
Teixiera behind the striker is a left field shout but his inclusion in Saturdays squad shows Klopp has ideas about him. Coutinho isn't at his best right now and is playing a lot of football, a rest here will do him no harm. Teixiera has shown plenty of glimpses of his promise, here is another chance, if he gets the required support from those around him, he should get the space to work. He has that little pass in him that could unlock a defence or a turn that will create space, let him express that.
As I said about Sturridge and Benteke, there's no need to rush them back. Whoever is the sharper can get 15 minutes if necessary, but for this Origi deserves his reward for a solid display on Saturday. He impressed with his hold up play and work down the channels. From what I can see, Rubins defence is nowhere near that of Spurs at the moment. He will get more opportunities and he showed glimpses that he can take them.
The bench could be very strong if we wanted but it is also another great chance to introduce some young blood again. As such I think we will be well balanced with a bench of:
Bogdan, Toure, Lucas, Rossiter, Sinclair, Coutinho, Sturridge.
A solid performance again, anything close to what we showed on Saturday and we have more than enough quality to get the three points. I am going with a 2-0 here, Origi and Milner with the goals.
