Football - Rubin Kazan v Liverpool preview

Rubin Kazan v Liverpool preview

Liverpool face a 2,500 mile to Russia to face Rubin Kazan as they go in search of their first Group B victory in the Europa League.

Jurgen Klopp's side, who sit second in the group just one point ahead of their opponents in Group B, have started their European campaign with three straight draws with the previous meeting between these two sides a fortnight ago - the first time Rubin and Liverpool had met in European competition - ending 1-1.

And they will face an even sterner test when they Valeriy Chaly's side at the brand new Kazan Arena as no English side has ever tasted victory when visiting Kazan.

Tottenham in 2011, Chelsea and Wigan (both 2013) have all lost to the Russian side, who are unbeaten in Europe competition at home so far this season.

However, Klopp's men will be in confident mood as they look to qualify for the knockout stages after their 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Kazan will be without Oleg Kuzmin as he serves a suspension for seeing red when the two sides met at Anfield.

Reds striker Christian Benteke, a goalscoring substitute in the 3-1 win at Chelsea on Saturday, is in the party along with all the others who were involved in the victory at Stamford Bridge.

Youngsters Pedro Chirivella, Cameron Brannagan and back-up goalkeeper Ryan Fulton are included but midfielder Joao Teixeira is ineligible and defender Connor Randall, who made his debut against Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup last week, has not travelled.