Liverpool, Oct 4: Liverpool will aim to continue their fine form in Europe as Manager Brendan Rodgers prepares his young troops to battle it out against tough Italian opponents Udinese at Anfield on Thursday.

The Reds meet Udinese for the time in European competitions. However, Anfield may prove to be a hostile environment for any visiting team. Rodgers is likely to field a young talented side after success away from against Young Boys.

Big names like Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger are likely to be rested while Jonjo Shelvey, Nuri Sahin and Jordan Henderson will be gearing up for a starting place in the team.

Fabio Borini is likely to start despite having a slow start to his Liverpool career while Moroccan Ousama Assaidi and Spaniard Suso will play in attacking positions.

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin has strong side to choose from but is likely to rest veteran striker Antonio Di Natale. The Italians drew 1-1 in their opening game against Anzhi Makhachkala.

Trivia:

*Liverpool have played 23 games against Italian oppositions, ending with W8 D5 L10.

*Udinese are unbeaten in four European games but have drawn the last three 1-1.

*Liverpool's 5-3 win over Young Boys was their 100th game in the UEFA Cup and Europa League, recording W56 D26 L18.

*The clash at Anfield is Udinese's 50th game in the UEFA Cup and the Europa League.

Probable Lineups:

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Jones-Wisdom, Carragher, Coates, Enrique-Sahin, Shelvey-Assaidi, Suso, Borini-Pacheco.

Udinese (4-5-1): Padelli-Danilo, Domizzi, Benatia, Armero-Faraoni, Badu, Lazzari, Pereyra, Willians-Ranegie.

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