Preview: FC Gomel vs. Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers takes charge of his first competitive match with the Reds when they go up against FC Gomel in the qualifying round of the Europa League.

Although the Merseyside outfit begin their season ahead of the August 18 date for the 2012-13 Premier League campaign, the likes of captain Steven Gerrard and goalkeeper Pepe Reina should be included in the lineup.

The Reds are without Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy as the duo are on duty at the London Olympic Games, while striker Andy Carroll is also out of the first leg in Belarus due to a groin injury, despite reports claiming that the 23-year-old had decided not to travel amid transfer speculation.

New signing Fabio Borini could make his starting debut for the Merseyside club, with Jordan Henderson and Joe Cole providing support.

Meanwhile, Gomel manager Oleg Kubarev could keep the same side that got past Renova in the second qualifying round, despite losing 1-0 on the night. Vladim Demidovich is expected to start up front with Tomasz Nowak holding the midfield.

Gomel captain Nikolai Kashevski is likely to start the clash tomorrow night in defence as the home side try to secure a decent result ahead of the return leg at Anfield.

Current form:

FC Gomel: WDWWL Liverpool: WLDLD

Possible lineups:

FC Gomel: Bushma; Matveychik, Kirilchik, Kaveshki, Kilmovich; Vornonkov, Kozeka; Nowak, Levitski, Platonov; Demidovich

Liverpool: Reina; Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique; Henderson, Gerrard, Shelvey, Adam, Cole; Borini

Sports Mole says: 0-1