Malafeev
Anyukov, Lombaerts, Hubocan, Yanbayev
Witsel, Danny, Denisov
Hulk, Zyryanov, Alves
LIVERPOOL
Reina
Wisdom, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique
Shelvey, Allen, Henderson
Borini, Suarez, Sterling
Brendan Rodgers travels to Russia with new signing Daniel Sturridge unavailable for the second consecutive fixture, this time due to being cup-tied.
Raheem Sterling (illness) should be fully recovered in time for the game, although full back Martin Kelly (knee) remains a long-term absentee.
Zenit boss Luciano Spalletti is likely to have a fully fit first-team squad to choose from, following the Russian winter break.
DID YOU KNOW?
Zenit St Petersburg have never lost to an English side on home soil.
Between them, these two clubs reached three European finals in four seasons between 2005 and 2008.
Zenit are 8/1 to beat Liverpool 1-0 with Coral.
Liverpool centre back Martin Skrtel helped Zenit to the 2007 Russian league title before leaving for Merseyside the following year.
Liverpool's only away defeat in the Europa League this term came in Russia, against Anzhi Makhachkala.
Thursday's clash will be the first time the two clubs have met in their history.
Liverpool have won as many matches as they have lost (two) away on Russian turf.
Prediction
Having seen their hopes of Champions League qualification all but dashed with Monday's home defeat to West Brom, Liverpool could - and perhaps should - be looking at this fixture as representing the potential beginning of a season-saving trophy challenge. Should players and staff alike head into the tie with such an attitude then the Reds surely boast the requisite class and experience in their ranks to match and dispatch their Russian opponents.
Brendan Rodgers side will likely be doing their utmost to keep things tight during the opening away leg, and they may not win, but they will be confident that a draw will be sufficient to take back to Anfield and complete the job the following week.
Editor's Prediction
Zenit 1-1 Liverpool
