Liverpool host FC Sion in their first home Europa League game of the season on Thursday evening, with manager Brendan Rodgers set to rest a number of key players.

Despite the pressure still firmly being on the Ulsterman's shoulders to deliver a result, following a disappointing start to the season, he's seemingly prioritising Sunday's away game against local rivals Everton.

This could be seen as the wise thing to do, however European competition does offer an alternative route back into the Champions League for Liverpool, and they could do with a win after letting three points slip on the opening matchweek.

Ahead in France against Bordeaux thanks to a goal from Adam Lallana, a late equaliser from Jussie denied the Reds all three points, as they came away with just the one following a 1-1 draw.

That was the fourth game of a six match run where Liverpool failed to win a game in 90 minutes, with the pressure being somewhat lifted on Saturday as Liverpool beat Aston Villa 3-2.

After James Milner had given Liverpool an early lead, Daniel Sturridge made it 2-0 with his first goal since returning from injury. Rudy Gestede scored a brace to give Liverpool hope, but those strikes were sandwiched by another Sturridge effort, which proved to be the winner.

Team news

As previously mentioned, the likes of Sturridge and co won't play a part in Thursday's game, with Rodgers keen to rest his most important players.

Sturridge, alongside Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Leiva, Nathaniel Clyne and Mamadou Sakho, is likely to not even make the squad, with younger players to be given a chance.

Divock Origi, Jordan Rossiter, Pedro Chirivella and Jordon Ibe are all in line for a start, whilst Adam Bogdan could be selected ahead of Simon Mignolet in goal.

Regarding injuries, Christian Benteke is still struggling with a muscle problem, whilst Jordan Henderson remains out with his broken foot. Roberto Firmino will be out of contention due to a leg injury, as will Dejan Lovren due to his ankle issue. 

The opposition

Sion will look to pose a threat to Liverpool, but come to Anfield well aware that they are huge underdogs for the game.

They don't come into the match in great form, having lost their last two games in the Swiss league, where they sit in fifth place after 10 games.

Aside from this, they're 13 points away from league leaders Basel, who knocked Liverpool out in the Champions League last season. Following the second straight loss, the club chairman slammed the players, saying “The players should be ashamed of being paid. They are all living in a false reality."

However, they are currently top of the group, having won their opening game against Rubin Kazan.