By PHIL THOMAS
BRENDAN RODGERS is ready to gamble with Liverpool’s derby dream in a bid to save their European one.
The Reds lie third in Group A after Udinese’s smash-and-grab win at Anfield three weeks ago.
And they cannot afford another slip-up against Anzhi Makhachkala tonight.
Now Kop boss Rodgers will pitch his first-team big guns in against Guus Hiddink’s mega-rich Russians, despite the powder-keg trip to Goodison just three days later.
Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard will both start this evening, while other regulars like Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson and Jonjo Shelvey are also set to feature.
Reds No 2 Colin Pascoe knows it is a risk, given what lies around the corner.
But he reckons it is one they simply have to take if they want to keep their Europa League flame burning.
Pascoe said: “Anzhi will be a strong unit and it is going to be very hard.
“With the money they have spent, they have some world-class players and have already won nine of their 12 games in the Russian league.
“But we’re at home, we want to win and although we have swapped around a little I think this time we’ll be putting out a stronger team than we have done.
“We’ve a lot of big games coming up — this and Everton, Swansea in the Capital One Cup, Newcastle and Chelsea — and we’re trying to mix things up a bit.”
The 3-2 loss to Udinese was a real kick in the teeth after Rodgers’ rookies had hit five at Young Boys Berne.
Tonight is as tough as it comes at this stage in the competition, after Anzhi forked out millions to land the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Yuri Zhirkov and Christopher Samba.
Yet Pascoe has warned former Barcelona golden boy Eto’o he can expect a rough ride from Liverpool’s backline.
He added: “Eto’o is a world-class player but we have some good defenders too and I’m sure the likes of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel will let him know they’re around.”
Brad Jones continues in goal as Pepe Reina battles to recover from a tight hamstring in time to face Everton on Sunday.
And the Aussie keeper will come face to face with his old national gaffer in Hiddink.
Jones said: “Guus has a great reputation because of what he’s achieved.
“But everyone can see the progress we’re making and we’re starting to get results to go with it now too.”
