Europa League Betting: Liverpool to come unstuck against in-form Anzhi

Samuel Eto'o is justifying his massive wages at Anzhi

Liverpool's Europa League campaign suffered a setback against Udinese, and Kevin Hatchard expects another tough Anfield evening against the Russian league leaders.

Liverpool vs Anzhi Makhachkala, Thu 20:05 BST, Live on ITV4

Match Odds: Liverpool 2.3411/8, Anzhi 3.39/4, the draw 3.613/5

Liverpool's 1-0 Premier League win over Reading at the weekend was another small step forward for the club under new boss Brendan Rodgers, but there's no doubt that the Reds' progress this term has been slow and somewhat painful. A young squad still has much to learn, and that was underlined by their most recent Europa League match. Liverpool led 1-0 at half-time against Udinese, but a second-half collapse saw them beaten 3-2.

On that occasion Liverpool showed naivety against streetwise and experienced opponents, and I suspect we may see a repeat against Guus Hiddink's Anzhi Makhachkala. The Russian Premier League leaders are on excellent form - they have won 10 of their last 11 games in all competitions, and they've suffered just one defeat in 20 matches this season. The combination of Samuel Eto'o and Lacina Traore has proved lethal - Eto'o has 14 goals in 19 games, while Traore has netted nine goals in 16 appearances.

Anzhi have saved some of their best performances for the Europa League. In the playoff round they demolished AZ Alkmaar 5-0 in Holland, and in their group stage opener they were seconds away from winning at Udinese, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Big-spending Anzhi have quality throughout the team - playmaker Mbark Boussoufa supplies the ammunition for Traore and Eto'o, Yuri Zhirkov is a rampaging presence on the left whether at full-back or in midfield, and the physical bite comes from defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra and centre-back Chris Samba.

Liverpool have some outstanding young players (Suso, Raheem Sterling and Jonjo Shelvey all have huge potential), while Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez are genuine matchwinners. However, Liverpool's Anfield record makes for grim reading, with two wins. three draws and three defeats.

Backing Anzhi for the win at 3.39/4 looks attractive, but if you want a bit of insurance, the Asian Handicap provides it. Backing Anzhi +0 on the AH at 2.3611/8 pays out if Anzhi win, but the draw sees your stake returned.

Liverpool have been defensively fragile in the group stage, conceding three goals against both Young Boys and Udinese. Both of Anzhi's group matches have featured Under 2.5 Goals, but I think this will be an open game, especially if the visitors score first. I'm leaning towards backing Over 2.5 Goals at 1.910/11.

Recommended Bets: Back Anzhi +0 on the Asian Handicap at 2.3611/8

Back Over 2.5 Goals at 1.910/11