Liverpool host big-spending Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala at Anfield in their UEFA Europa League Group A clash on Thursday with the English Premier League side seeking to avoid making unwanted history.
A 3-2 defeat to Udinese in Merseyside on matchday two leaves Brendan Rodgers' men staring at the possibility of consecutive home defeats in Europe for the first time in the club's existence.
Anzhi have started to flex their muscles this season with Guus Hiddink guiding the Dagestan-based club to the top of the Russian Premier League.
Undefeated in eight European fixtures this season, they will pose a serious threat to a Liverpool side that only secured their first home league win of the campaign on Saturday.
Raheem Sterling's first-half strike proved the difference in a 1-0 victory over struggling Reading, a goal that cemented his status as the club's second-youngest scorer behind Michael Owen and drew praise from his manager.
"The biggest thing for me is maintaining the hunger he's got now because he can be a really top player. It's a long way to go for him but at the moment he's been a revelation," said Rodgers.
"I don't have any concerns about him at this moment. For him, right up until now, he's been brilliant." Udinese, who ended Liverpool's 13- game unbeaten home run on the continental stage, travel to Switzerland to face Group A doormats Young Boys.
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