Liverpool FC make the short trip to France, to take on Bordeaux for their opening Europa League game. The Reds are expected to give chances to a number of players to stake their claim for a first-team spot, having been uninvolved previously.
Squad players to get a chance to impress
Liverpool have travelled to France without 6 players who started at the weekend against Manchester United. Christian Benteke, James Milner, Lucas Leiva, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Martin Skrtel, have all been rested with one eye on Sundaya s Premier League clash with Norwich City at Anfield.
Alberto Moreno, Kolo Toure, Jordon Ibe and Jordan Rossiter are all expected to start as per reports in the Liverpool Echo . .
a There are some players left behind who will play at the weekend,a Rodgers said.
Sakho, Origi expected to start
Mamadou Sakho is also expected to make his first start for the club ,having not made one since the new season began. Rodgers confirmed to Liverpool Echo that the French defender has been offered a new deal at Anfield.
“Mama is a player we want to keep,a he said.
a Ita s been a difficult start for him. We won the first few games so it was difficult to change the team. He was working up his fitness levels.
a We were always going to need Mama after the international break. We want to extend his contract at the club and for sure he will play tomorrow night.a
Having come off the bench against Manchester United, Divock Origi is also expected to start for Liverpool up-front.
a Divock is a young player settling into the club well and he will feature tomorrow,a Rodgers said.
a Hea s a very talented young boy. Hea s got great attributes and Ia m sure over time he will demonstrate those.a
Philippe Coutinho, who missed Liverpoola s last game due to suspension has traveled with the squad and may start as well, although Rodgers can still opt to play the returning Adam Lallana ahead of him to rest the Brazilian ahead of Norwich tie.
Joe Allen is still recovering from his injury and Jordan Henderson will miss the game after undergoing treatment on a heel injury in America. Daniel Sturridge is back in training but not fit enough to feature in the game, yet.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Bogdan, Gomez, Toure, Sakho, Moreno, Rossiter, Can, Coutinho, Ibe, Ings, Origi