Europa League preview: Key Reds set for rest

Liverpool look set to rest a number of stars, while Atletico Madrid and Lyon are poised to advance in the Europa League on Thursday.

Captain Steven Gerrard and top scorer Luis Suarez are among those expected to be left behind when Liverpool travel to face Anzhi Makhachkala in Moscow.

While a win would virtually secure his side’s place in the knockout phase, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers appears to have prioritised Sunday’s clash against Chelsea in the English Premier League.

The Merseyside club are on top of Group A at the midway stage with six points, followed by Guus Hiddink’s Anzhi on four points.

Udinese, third on four points, entertain BSC Young Boys in the group’s other fixture.

Elsewhere, Group B leaders Atletico Madrid can clinch their spot in the round of 32 with a win over Academica in Coimbra.

Diego Simeone’s men are one of three sides in the tournament with a perfect record, while Academica are struggling to make an impact with just one point.

Lyon and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk are the other teams with nine points from their opening three matches.

Athletic Bilbao, third in Group I with just one point, will attempt to halt Lyon’s run, while Napoli, third in Group F on three points, play host to Dnipro.

In other matches, Tottenham Hotspur will entertain Maribor in Group J, while Group D leaders Newcastle United journey to face Club Brugge.

Fourth-placed Sporting Lisbon will aim to keep their hopes of advancing alive at home to undefeated Group G leaders Genk.

Rapid Wien, the only team yet to secure a point, have a difficult assignment at home to Group K leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Fenerbahce can extend their unbeaten run in Group C at home to AEL Limassol, while Group E leaders Steaua Bucharest can do likewise in their clash at Molde.