Analysis:

Liverpool begin their Europa League campaign when they welcome the visit of little-known Romanian side Unirea Urziceni to Anfield.
Their participation in this Europa League has been a failed season for them as they have been dumped out of the Champions League, finishing third in Group E, and are fighting for fourth place, rather than the title, in the Premier League.

To make matters worse they were also eliminated from the early stages of the FA Cup and the Carling Cup. The Europa League therefore represents the last remaining opportunity to win a trophy for the Reds.

Their opponents finished above Rangers in Group G and hammered the Scottish Premier League leaders 4-1 at Ibrox in October to finish one point behind second-placed Stuttgart.

Unirea won the Romanian league in 2008/09 to book their place in the Champions League and the achievement was the first major honour in the club's 56-year history.

For Liverpool, Gerrard will lead the Reds out and vice-captain Jamie Carragher should also feature after overcoming the groin problem suffered in the recent defeat at Arsenal. They are once again missing Fernando Torres and he is not expected to return from knee surgery before March.

Yossi Benayoun could be named as a substitute now that the Israeli has returned to training following a broken rib, while £20million summer signing Alberto Aquilani is available after illness.

Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos, who is suspended domestically, is available, but full-back Glen Johnson is still out with a knee injury and Maxi Rodriguez is cup-tied after playing in Europe for Atletico Madrid earlier in the competition.

For the visitors, Argentine defender Pablo Brandan will be a player to watch after the left-back was linked with a number of clubs in Europe following impressive performances in the Champions League, including a goal in Glasgow against Rangers.

Former Maccabi Haifa manager Levy has been to Anfield before when he suffered a 2-1 defeat in the 2006/07 Champions League third qualifying round first leg so he will know what to expect here.

Take Liverpool to win and give the 1 1/2 ball here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

Liverpool 2-0

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Liverpool to win this match.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Liverpool and give the 1 1/2 ball here.