Wednesday, 24th October, 2012
Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak has suggested his countrymen may not face quite the same test against Liverpool as other sides do in the Premier League.
Anzhi Makhachkala travel to Anfield tomorrow for a Europa League match (preview here) and are hopeful of cementing their hold on the group with what would be a famous victory.
And despite the fearsome prospect that is playing at Anfield, Pogrebnyak, who sampled the occasion on Saturday as a Reading player, losing 1-0, believes that Liverpool are not taking the Europa League too seriously.
Indeed, Pogrebnyak has told Anzhi to expect Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers to field youngsters with Europa League progression not all important for the Reds.
"On Saturday I had to run, to fight, to challenge for the ball. And this was part of the game against these opponents", Pogrebnyak told Russian sports daily Sport Express.
"But, of course, you expect this when you play against Liverpool."
relatedNewsStoryPogrebnyak stressed though that the Europa League is a different matter.
"The team does not look very good in the Europa League – they lost against Udinese.
"In my opinion, Liverpool's attitude to this tournament is, 'if we progress great, if not, well it's okay'."
However, when asked for his prediction for the match, Pogrebnyak still stated his belief that victory could elude Anzhi: "The game ends in a draw."
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