Liverpool will be looking to get their UEFA Europa League campaign back on track against Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday.
The Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat to Udinese in their last continental outing, leaving them third in Group A.
A visit from table-topping Anzhi in midweek offers an opportunity to give their qualification hopes a welcome shot in the arm.
Brendan Rodgers must, however, strike the right balance between chasing important points in Europe and keeping key men fresh for Sunday's Merseyside derby with Everton.
Liverpool insist a date with the Toffees has not entered their thoughts as yet, but it remains to be seen how they approach the Anzhi clash.
"Everton against Liverpool is a massive game, but it hasn't been talked about and isn't being thought about at the moment," said assistant manager Colin Pascoe.
Liverpool would be advised to keep their eye on the ball, as Anzhi will be no pushovers.
The ambitious Russian outfit have spent big in the pursuit of success and pulled off quite a coup in landing Guus Hiddink as manager.
Former Chelsea coach Hiddink has been at the helm since mid-February and his side have suffered just one defeat in 21 outings this term.
The Dutch tactician is, however, of the opinion that Anzhi will arrive at Anfield as underdogs - even though they are flying at present and Liverpool are struggling to generate results in the Premier League.
"You have to realise that the Premier League is one of the leading leagues in the world of football," said Hiddink.
"Although Liverpool are not in the top three at this moment, they have some experienced players and they are going for this competition and looking to go further in Europe.
"They are favourites and not us. I think Liverpool are the favourites in this group."
Liverpool will again be without goalkeeper Pepe Reina on Thursday.
Reina missed the 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday due to a hamstring problem and faces a battle to be fit in time for Sunday's derby clash with Everton.
Brad Jones deputised at the weekend and is set to do so once more for the Anzhi contest.
The Reds will also be without sidelined trio Martin Kelly (knee), Lucas Leiva (thigh) and Fabio Borini (foot).
Anzhi have been boosted by the news that top scorer Samuel Eto'o is fit and ready to play a leading role on Merseyside.
Hiddink is, however, without the services of former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra as he is facing up to a month on the sidelines with a ligament tear in his left knee.
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