Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he is not taking victory over Hearts for granted despite his decision to rest key players for the clash at Tynecastle.
Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson have stayed at home ahead of tomorrow night's Europa League play-off first leg.
That means some fringe players will be involved against the Jambos, with one eye on Sunday's Barclays Premier League visit of champions Manchester City.
Rodgers said: "Hearts will be a very, very difficult game for us. I've still taken a squad here that is a strong group.
"It's a chance to see some young players but I've got some strong, experienced players.
"There are international captains and Champions League winners so it's still a strong enough squad.
"It will be a difficult game. Tynecastle is a wonderful, tight little ground and supporters will be behind their team and there are some good players."
Rodgers admitted the league is the priority for the Anfield club but he also wants Liverpool to progress on the European stage.
He said: "Our main objective is the league - there is no question about that.
"When you work at Liverpool - whether as a player or manager - every game is important.
"The objective over the two games is to get through to the group stages.
"It's certainly a game we want to win and we want to qualify over the course of the two games. We will pick strong teams that we think can do that.”
More About Europa League
- Hearts boss wants to make history by turning around Liverpool tie
- Brendan Rodgers hints at full-strength Liverpool team to face Hearts
- Charlie Adam: 'Liverpool controlled the game and deserved to defeat Hearts'
- The lowdown on Levante: Motherwell prepare for La Liga's renaissance men
- Dundee United boss Houston bemoans nightmare start in Moscow
- Dundee United suffer Europa League humiliation against Dinamo Moscow
- Russian football expert James Appell talks Dinamo Moscow v Dundee United
To leave a comment, please sign in.