Liverpool against Anzhi Makhachkala

Carcela takes on Downing, who eases his opponent off the ball.

Sterling again forcing a corner, he's been making Zhirkov work very hard since coming on.

Eto'o slips in Carcela, who shoots straight down Jones' throat. Easy enough for the Liverpool keeper.

Downing keeps trying Hollywood balls from left-back. A little worrying.

Gerrard tries his luck from 25 yards but it's always rising and ends up over the bar.

Carcela jinks but Gerrard wins it back. Downing then gives the ball away, before then winning it back. Lots of to-ing and fro-ing.

<i>Stats: Yuri Zhirkov lost the 2005 UEFA Super Cup to Liverpool when he was playing for CSKA Moscow. </i>

The match has really burst into life in the past ten minutes.

Anzhi back on the attack. Lakhiyalov crossed for Traore but he couldn't quite turn it goalwards as it was a little behind him. Goal-kick.

But they're out now with Sterling, who slices an attempted shot wide.

Carcela fizzed one across goal but Skrtel did well to divert it out of harms way. Anzhi camped in the Liverpool half.

Poor decision from the ref. The goalkeeper was just about to kick it out but Agger came from behind and headed it out of his hand before finishing brilliantly. Despite Gabulov only having one hand on the ball, Agger's been penalised.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Agger

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Allen on for Shelvey.

Sterling does tremendously well to earn a corner under the attention of two yellow shirts.

Udinese have got themselves a goal back in Switzerland against Young Boys. 2-1 to the hosts at present.

The break looked to be on for Suarez and Liverpool but a poor, overly-ambitious pass lets him down.

Shatov straight into Brad Jones' hands.

Sahin heads the corner out. Wisdom heads the subsequent corner out. It's another corner now.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Lakhiyalov on for Boussoufa

Boussoufa's shot deflected out for an Anzhi corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> An angered Suarez then produced a foul of his own, before being booked for dissent.

Gerrard finds Assaidi, who produces a sublime turn to escape into space. He's pushed over in the box - Logashov nudges him down. But the ref shakes his head.

Suarez finally wins a free-kick, much to the delight of the Liverpool fans - who sarcastically applaud the ref.

Suarez again unlucky not to have a free-kick called in his favour as Joao Carlos was a bit heavy in the challenge.

Young Boys are now 2-0 up against Udinese, which would put Liverpool top of Group A as things stand.

Liverpool nearly caught out as Downing plays a schoolboy pass straight across his own goal. The ball lands at Eto'o's feet but his shot is straight at Brad Jones. Downing a lucky fella.

Anzhi free-kick now, but it's headed away by Gerrard.

Eto'o dropping much deeper at the moment to try to influence play a little more.

I'm stunned to see Samuel Eto'o as the man who tracks all the way back in his half to stop Sterling in full flight with an excellent tackle.

Eto'o's shot deflected out for a throw-in, deep in Liverpool territory.

First challenge for Skrtel as the aerial ball comes in, but the Slovakian does well to win the battle.

His first contribution is a foul throw that allows Liverpool to regain some control.

The Ivory Coast international's introduction will bring a different dynamic to the Anzhi attack - though apparently despite his 6ft 8in he's not really known for his heading ability. Shocking I know!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Traore on for Smolov.

Shatov, Smolov and Zhirkov combine but Anzhi are thwarted by Wisdom.

Gerrard's delivery headed out by Zhirkov at the near post.

Suarez with a pacy break and he fed in Shelvey. A heavy touch lets him down but it's deflected out for a corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Logashov on for Agalarov, who was struggling after taking an earlier knock.

It's actually Logashov to come on.

Assaidi looking to weave some magic - he's been a bit quieter so far in the second half.

Really good defensive work from Wisdom - he's had an excellent game. A wise (excuse the pun) head on young shoulders.

Anzhi about to make a substitution with Lacina Traore warming up. All 6ft 8in of him!

Liverpool's players smelling blood now by the looks of it. And the volume is well and truly rising inside Anfield.

Liverpool straight up the other end as Shelvey sets himself up but a weak volley doesn't trouble Gabulov.

Quick free-kick from Anzhi, but Zhirkov's attempted delivery from the left is blocked by Sterling.

Skrtel penalised for another challenge on Smolov. He headed his head this time, looked painful.

Side netting, but a lot of Anfield thought it was in. Great strike but narrowly wide.

Suarez unleashes an effort from 25 yards...

Rodgers - inspired tactical move. Downing had been pretty anonymous in the first half playing down the right. But a real impact from left-back.

<strong>Liverpool 1-0 Anzhi.</strong> Downing cut in from the left and struck it sweetly with his right (yes, RIGHT) foot. Cracking goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Downing. A surprise scorer.

Zhirkov takes down Sterling.

Eto'o taking control with a positive dribble. But a bit of miscommunication from Boussoufa sees the move breakdown.

That really lifted the Anfield faithful, let's see if the Reds can push on now.

But his header is just wide. Great run from the captain and ball from Shelvey.

Sterling flicks on for Shelvey, who in turn crosses for Gerrard...

Skrtel has a shot, turned away by the goalkeeper.

Sterling looks to make an impression down the right but Zhirkov clears it quite literally out of the stadium. Greeted by ironic cheers and a smile from the player himself.

<i>Stats: Liverpool's defeat to Udinese was only their second in their last 21 European games.</i>

Wisdom accelerates down the right but he's eased off the ball.

So that substitution sees Downing shifted to left-back, I bet he's delighted.

We're off for the second half...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Sterling on for Johnson.

Certainly agree with the assessment of Assaidi, he has been awesome - easily Liverpool's best player. More of a natural winger than Suso.

<em>@DerAuslander on Twitter: gerrard has been poor this season...once Lucas is back I could see him being the odd man out of midfield </em>

<em>@Red_Ostrich on Twitter: assaidi has been electrifying. I think Gerrard should be benched. Suso to come in and sahin to DM.#ynwa</em>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/1025/glenjohnsonpenaltyappeal20121025_275x155.jpg"><br>Glen Johnson felt that he deserved a penalty in the first half.

<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1201586/europa-league:-inter-leave-it-late-for-victory" target="_blank">Here's a round-up</a> from tonight's earlier Europa League games - Inter claimed a last-ditch winner, while Spurs were held.

Another man certainly worth following for the Liverpool fans is our Anfield blogger <a href="https://twitter.com/Kristian_Walsh" target="_blank">@Kristian_Walsh</a>. You can check out his preview of tonight's game <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/liverpool/id/227?cc=5739" target="_blank">here. </a>

Remember, you can give me a shout on Twitter to let me know your thoughts on the game - <a href="http://twitter.com/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN is the place to go</a>

<b>HT: Liverpool 0-0 Anzhi.</b> Where are those goals that were promised?! Liverpool have scored seven in their last two Europa League games. Let's have some in the second half please.

Smolov lets fly from 25 yards but it's well past the right-hand post.

Suarez, Assaidi and Sahin combine on the edge of the box but the latter is tackled.

Liverpool in control of possession again, but can they grab a goal before half-time?

Plenty of Red shirts in the box but they are all crowded out.

Gerrard to take the in-swinging free-kick.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Agalarov - deserved booking.

Assaidi on the burst again, brought down by Agalarov.

Gerrard looks to play in Suarez behind Joao Carlos but the defender reads it.

Decent connection but just skims over the left diagonal frame of the goal.

Agger advances and he looks like he fancies a strike...

Decent enough game so far but just not enough chances. Liverpool have looked the better team, just need to create a little more.

Good little spell for Anzhi in the last couple of minutes, keeping the ball nicely.

Sahin rises but his header loops up over the crossbar.

Corner for Liverpool now. Gerrard to deliver.

Johnson was through and just as he looked to attempt to tuck the ball home, it was taken from him. As were his legs by the looks of it. Cries for a penalty waved away.

I can only assume that Brad Jones knew what he was doing, having a cheeky dribble with Smolov in close proximity. Heard a few drawings of breath from Liverpool fans.

Gerrard heads it clear under pressure from Samba. And that is real pressure.

Straight down the other end, Anzhi have a set-piece in a similar position on the right. Boussoufa to whip it in.

Free-kick played in from the right by Assaidi but it's too strong for any red shirts to get on the end of it.

<i>Stats: Liverpool have only previously once lost successive home games in Europe - against Lyon and Fiorentina in the 2009 Champions League.</i>

Suarez to the byline and played in towards Shelvey again, but the Englishman didn't have time to manoeuvre himself.

His handling has looked a little dodgy at times though. Despite being straight at the Anzhi keeper, the ball almost looked like it would roll out of his hands and spin back into the goal.

Johnson and Assaidi again providing the major danger for Liverpool. The former pulling back for the latter this time but again Gabulov isn't really tested.

Anzhi back in possession now, Zhirkov with a marauding run down the left but the referee again shook his head at the prospect of a free-kick.

Gerrard and Sahin combine as Liverpool look for an opening.

Eto'o tries to feed Smolov but just as he looked about to hit it, Skrtel made a risky but well-executed challenge through the back to win the ball.

But he's skied it high over the bar. Leaning back, a very disappointing effort.

Suarez breaks in behind the defence and lays it back for Shelvey...

<i>Stats: Anzhi are currently top of the Russian League having won 29 points out of a possible 36.</i>

Gerrard strikes it into the wall.

Samba crashes through the back of Suarez and promptly gets booked. Free-kick around 30 yards out. Suarez and Gerrard discuss.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Samba

Assaidi again gets beyond his man, pulling back for Johnson - who hit straight at Gabulov. The Anzhi keeper unconvincing with his parry clear, though.

Wisdom shows his pace to track and tackle Smolov.

Shatov attempts to engineer some space but Liverpool win the ball back.

Eto'o allowed to run from the halfway line to the edge of the Liverpool box - all the Reds players just didn't look interested in tackling. Agger eventually stepped up to the plate though.

Assaidi swings a cross in from the left but Chris 'monolith' Samba is again well positioned to clear the ball.

Downing tracks back to challenge Zhirkov and Suarez subsequently goes flying after being blocked out by Boussoufa. Suarez a little dramatic there, and I think that cost him the free-kick as the ref just shook his head.

Eto'o again frustrated after picking the ball up in space but getting tackled.

Eto'o spreads the ball wide to Mehdi Gonzalez, who earns himself a look of disgust from the Cameroonian after failing to give him an acceptable return pass.

Eto'o drops deep to try to give Anzhi some inspiration.

<i>Stats: Chris Samba only won one of his eight games against Liverpool with Blackburn - the last match of Roy Hodgson's reign in 2011. </i>

Johnson releases Assaidi, who pulls it back for Suarez. He shoots straight at goalkeeper Gabulov from just inside the area though.

Suarez with a beautiful turn to escape into space, but his cross is over-hit.

Skrtel was a bit of a naughty boy there, using Smolov's hip as a launching pad to help him win the header. The Anzhi man in discomfort and his team-mates unimpressed.

<i>Stats: Stewart Downing has provided more assists (3) than any other player in the Europa League this season. </i>

In the group's other game, Young Boys lead Udinese thanks to a goal from Bobadilla.

Samba gets the interception again, this time it's out for a corner after he tackles Assaidi.

Superb diagonal from Gerrard finds Suarez. Probably about 60 yards but a pinpoint pass. Suarez nutmegs two but is crowded out by Samba.

Boussoufa drives through the middle but can't find Eto'o.

Samba with a giant boot clears the ball away - he would have decapitated Suarez had the Uruguayan not wisely ducked out of the way.

Assaidi with a positive burst through the middle but Gabulov chases back and dispossesses him.

Shelvey feeds Wisdom, whose cross is hoofed clear by Chris Samba.

Suarez and Shelvey with a neat early interchange. Bright start from Liverpool.

Over four goals per game averaged in Group A so far - seven of them from Liverpool. Fingers crossed we'll see plenty more tonight then.

And we're off at Anfield...

Feel free to give me a shout on Twitter during the game and we can get some of the comments up here. <a href="http://twitter.com/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN is the place to go</a>

<i>Stats: Liverpool's Premier League chance conversion rate is 9%, but in the Europa League it's 33% </i>

Former Premier League players Christopher Samba (Blackburn) and Yuri Zhirkov (Chelsea) make their first respective returns to England for Anzhi, while Samuel Eto'o of course provides the major danger up front.

So for Liverpool, Gerrard and Suarez are thrown in despite the huge Merseyside derby against Everton coming up on Sunday - though with Brendan Rodgers' limited options up front, there wasn't really going to be a chance to rest Suarez.

'Anzhi Makhachkala' is copied at the ready to paste in, the dastardly spelling it is - though don't hold it against me if I simply opt for Anzhi throughout this one.

Hello everyone, I am Mark Lomas and I will be taking you through all the action from Anfield this evening.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/1007/stewartdowningliverpoolvudinese20121007_275x155.jpg"><br> Liverpool lost to Udinese last time out in a game that saw a rare start for Stewart Downing, who gets another one tonight.

Join us from 2005 BST for live text commentary of Liverpool's clash with Anzhi Makhachkala.

Sterling does tremendously well to earn a corner under the attention of two yellow shirts.

Udinese have got themselves a goal back in Switzerland against Young Boys. 2-1 to the hosts at present.

The break looked to be on for Suarez and Liverpool but a poor, overly-ambitious pass lets him down.

Shatov straight into Brad Jones' hands.

Sahin heads the corner out. Wisdom heads the subsequent corner out. It's another corner now.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Lakhiyalov on for Boussoufa

Boussoufa's shot deflected out for an Anzhi corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> An angered Suarez then produced a foul of his own, before being booked for dissent.

Gerrard finds Assaidi, who produces a sublime turn to escape into space. He's pushed over in the box - Logashov nudges him down. But the ref shakes his head.

Suarez finally wins a free-kick, much to the delight of the Liverpool fans - who sarcastically applaud the ref.

Suarez again unlucky not to have a free-kick called in his favour as Joao Carlos was a bit heavy in the challenge.

Young Boys are now 2-0 up against Udinese, which would put Liverpool top of Group A as things stand.

Liverpool nearly caught out as Downing plays a schoolboy pass straight across his own goal. The ball lands at Eto'o's feet but his shot is straight at Brad Jones. Downing a lucky fella.

Anzhi free-kick now, but it's headed away by Gerrard.

Eto'o dropping much deeper at the moment to try to influence play a little more.

I'm stunned to see Samuel Eto'o as the man who tracks all the way back in his half to stop Sterling in full flight with an excellent tackle.

Eto'o's shot deflected out for a throw-in, deep in Liverpool territory.

First challenge for Skrtel as the aerial ball comes in, but the Slovakian does well to win the battle.

His first contribution is a foul throw that allows Liverpool to regain some control.

The Ivory Coast international's introduction will bring a different dynamic to the Anzhi attack - though apparently despite his 6ft 8in he's not really known for his heading ability. Shocking I know!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Traore on for Smolov.

Shatov, Smolov and Zhirkov combine but Anzhi are thwarted by Wisdom.

Gerrard's delivery headed out by Zhirkov at the near post.

Suarez with a pacy break and he fed in Shelvey. A heavy touch lets him down but it's deflected out for a corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Logashov on for Agalarov, who was struggling after taking an earlier knock.

It's actually Logashov to come on.

Assaidi looking to weave some magic - he's been a bit quieter so far in the second half.

Really good defensive work from Wisdom - he's had an excellent game. A wise (excuse the pun) head on young shoulders.

Anzhi about to make a substitution with Lacina Traore warming up. All 6ft 8in of him!

Liverpool's players smelling blood now by the looks of it. And the volume is well and truly rising inside Anfield.

Liverpool straight up the other end as Shelvey sets himself up but a weak volley doesn't trouble Gabulov.

Quick free-kick from Anzhi, but Zhirkov's attempted delivery from the left is blocked by Sterling.

Skrtel penalised for another challenge on Smolov. He headed his head this time, looked painful.

Side netting, but a lot of Anfield thought it was in. Great strike but narrowly wide.

Suarez unleashes an effort from 25 yards...

Rodgers - inspired tactical move. Downing had been pretty anonymous in the first half playing down the right. But a real impact from left-back.

<strong>Liverpool 1-0 Anzhi.</strong> Downing cut in from the left and struck it sweetly with his right (yes, RIGHT) foot. Cracking goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Downing. A surprise scorer.

Zhirkov takes down Sterling.

Eto'o taking control with a positive dribble. But a bit of miscommunication from Boussoufa sees the move breakdown.

That really lifted the Anfield faithful, let's see if the Reds can push on now.

But his header is just wide. Great run from the captain and ball from Shelvey.

Sterling flicks on for Shelvey, who in turn crosses for Gerrard...

Skrtel has a shot, turned away by the goalkeeper.

Sterling looks to make an impression down the right but Zhirkov clears it quite literally out of the stadium. Greeted by ironic cheers and a smile from the player himself.

<i>Stats: Liverpool's defeat to Udinese was only their second in their last 21 European games.</i>

Wisdom accelerates down the right but he's eased off the ball.

So that substitution sees Downing shifted to left-back, I bet he's delighted.

We're off for the second half...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Sterling on for Johnson.

Certainly agree with the assessment of Assaidi, he has been awesome - easily Liverpool's best player. More of a natural winger than Suso.

<em>@DerAuslander on Twitter: gerrard has been poor this season...once Lucas is back I could see him being the odd man out of midfield </em>

<em>@Red_Ostrich on Twitter: assaidi has been electrifying. I think Gerrard should be benched. Suso to come in and sahin to DM.#ynwa</em>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/1025/glenjohnsonpenaltyappeal20121025_275x155.jpg"><br>Glen Johnson felt that he deserved a penalty in the first half.

<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1201586/europa-league:-inter-leave-it-late-for-victory" target="_blank">Here's a round-up</a> from tonight's earlier Europa League games - Inter claimed a last-ditch winner, while Spurs were held.

Another man certainly worth following for the Liverpool fans is our Anfield blogger <a href="https://twitter.com/Kristian_Walsh" target="_blank">@Kristian_Walsh</a>. You can check out his preview of tonight's game <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/liverpool/id/227?cc=5739" target="_blank">here. </a>

Remember, you can give me a shout on Twitter to let me know your thoughts on the game - <a href="http://twitter.com/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN is the place to go</a>

<b>HT: Liverpool 0-0 Anzhi.</b> Where are those goals that were promised?! Liverpool have scored seven in their last two Europa League games. Let's have some in the second half please.

Smolov lets fly from 25 yards but it's well past the right-hand post.

Suarez, Assaidi and Sahin combine on the edge of the box but the latter is tackled.

Liverpool in control of possession again, but can they grab a goal before half-time?

Plenty of Red shirts in the box but they are all crowded out.

Gerrard to take the in-swinging free-kick.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Agalarov - deserved booking.

Assaidi on the burst again, brought down by Agalarov.

Gerrard looks to play in Suarez behind Joao Carlos but the defender reads it.

Decent connection but just skims over the left diagonal frame of the goal.

Agger advances and he looks like he fancies a strike...

Decent enough game so far but just not enough chances. Liverpool have looked the better team, just need to create a little more.

Good little spell for Anzhi in the last couple of minutes, keeping the ball nicely.

Sahin rises but his header loops up over the crossbar.

Corner for Liverpool now. Gerrard to deliver.

Johnson was through and just as he looked to attempt to tuck the ball home, it was taken from him. As were his legs by the looks of it. Cries for a penalty waved away.

I can only assume that Brad Jones knew what he was doing, having a cheeky dribble with Smolov in close proximity. Heard a few drawings of breath from Liverpool fans.

Gerrard heads it clear under pressure from Samba. And that is real pressure.

Straight down the other end, Anzhi have a set-piece in a similar position on the right. Boussoufa to whip it in.

Free-kick played in from the right by Assaidi but it's too strong for any red shirts to get on the end of it.

<i>Stats: Liverpool have only previously once lost successive home games in Europe - against Lyon and Fiorentina in the 2009 Champions League.</i>

Suarez to the byline and played in towards Shelvey again, but the Englishman didn't have time to manoeuvre himself.

His handling has looked a little dodgy at times though. Despite being straight at the Anzhi keeper, the ball almost looked like it would roll out of his hands and spin back into the goal.

Johnson and Assaidi again providing the major danger for Liverpool. The former pulling back for the latter this time but again Gabulov isn't really tested.

Anzhi back in possession now, Zhirkov with a marauding run down the left but the referee again shook his head at the prospect of a free-kick.

Gerrard and Sahin combine as Liverpool look for an opening.

Eto'o tries to feed Smolov but just as he looked about to hit it, Skrtel made a risky but well-executed challenge through the back to win the ball.

But he's skied it high over the bar. Leaning back, a very disappointing effort.

Suarez breaks in behind the defence and lays it back for Shelvey...

<i>Stats: Anzhi are currently top of the Russian League having won 29 points out of a possible 36.</i>

Gerrard strikes it into the wall.

Samba crashes through the back of Suarez and promptly gets booked. Free-kick around 30 yards out. Suarez and Gerrard discuss.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Samba

Assaidi again gets beyond his man, pulling back for Johnson - who hit straight at Gabulov. The Anzhi keeper unconvincing with his parry clear, though.

Wisdom shows his pace to track and tackle Smolov.

Shatov attempts to engineer some space but Liverpool win the ball back.

Eto'o allowed to run from the halfway line to the edge of the Liverpool box - all the Reds players just didn't look interested in tackling. Agger eventually stepped up to the plate though.

Assaidi swings a cross in from the left but Chris 'monolith' Samba is again well positioned to clear the ball.

Downing tracks back to challenge Zhirkov and Suarez subsequently goes flying after being blocked out by Boussoufa. Suarez a little dramatic there, and I think that cost him the free-kick as the ref just shook his head.

Eto'o again frustrated after picking the ball up in space but getting tackled.

Eto'o spreads the ball wide to Mehdi Gonzalez, who earns himself a look of disgust from the Cameroonian after failing to give him an acceptable return pass.

Eto'o drops deep to try to give Anzhi some inspiration.

<i>Stats: Chris Samba only won one of his eight games against Liverpool with Blackburn - the last match of Roy Hodgson's reign in 2011. </i>

Johnson releases Assaidi, who pulls it back for Suarez. He shoots straight at goalkeeper Gabulov from just inside the area though.

Suarez with a beautiful turn to escape into space, but his cross is over-hit.

Skrtel was a bit of a naughty boy there, using Smolov's hip as a launching pad to help him win the header. The Anzhi man in discomfort and his team-mates unimpressed.

<i>Stats: Stewart Downing has provided more assists (3) than any other player in the Europa League this season. </i>

In the group's other game, Young Boys lead Udinese thanks to a goal from Bobadilla.

Samba gets the interception again, this time it's out for a corner after he tackles Assaidi.

Superb diagonal from Gerrard finds Suarez. Probably about 60 yards but a pinpoint pass. Suarez nutmegs two but is crowded out by Samba.

Boussoufa drives through the middle but can't find Eto'o.

Samba with a giant boot clears the ball away - he would have decapitated Suarez had the Uruguayan not wisely ducked out of the way.

Assaidi with a positive burst through the middle but Gabulov chases back and dispossesses him.

Shelvey feeds Wisdom, whose cross is hoofed clear by Chris Samba.

Suarez and Shelvey with a neat early interchange. Bright start from Liverpool.

Over four goals per game averaged in Group A so far - seven of them from Liverpool. Fingers crossed we'll see plenty more tonight then.

And we're off at Anfield...

Feel free to give me a shout on Twitter during the game and we can get some of the comments up here. <a href="http://twitter.com/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN is the place to go</a>

<i>Stats: Liverpool's Premier League chance conversion rate is 9%, but in the Europa League it's 33% </i>

Former Premier League players Christopher Samba (Blackburn) and Yuri Zhirkov (Chelsea) make their first respective returns to England for Anzhi, while Samuel Eto'o of course provides the major danger up front.

So for Liverpool, Gerrard and Suarez are thrown in despite the huge Merseyside derby against Everton coming up on Sunday - though with Brendan Rodgers' limited options up front, there wasn't really going to be a chance to rest Suarez.

'Anzhi Makhachkala' is copied at the ready to paste in, the dastardly spelling it is - though don't hold it against me if I simply opt for Anzhi throughout this one.

Hello everyone, I am Mark Lomas and I will be taking you through all the action from Anfield this evening.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/1007/stewartdowningliverpoolvudinese20121007_275x155.jpg"><br> Liverpool lost to Udinese last time out in a game that saw a rare start for Stewart Downing, who gets another one tonight.

Join us from 2005 BST for live text commentary of Liverpool's clash with Anzhi Makhachkala.