FC Gomel vs Liverpool, Europa League: Open Thread

Liverpool has the task of being the first Premier League team to kick off the 2012-13 season with its match today against FC Gomel in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

In addition to FC Gomel from Belarus and Liverpool from England, there are plenty of other European teams in action today in the tournament including familiar names such as Inter Milan, Rosenborg, Dundee United, Sparta Prague, Rapid Vienna, Hajduk Split, Athletic Bilbao, Hannover 96, Marseille, Gent, APOEL and many others. As you can see, Liverpool is in good company in this European tournament.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has already said that success in the Premier League this upcoming season is the goal. So while he’s already placed the Europa League on a lower priority, understandably so, it’ll be interesting to see (1) what team he fields, and (2) how they play. We already know that Andy Carroll didn’t travel with the squad. But how many reserve or youth players will Rodgers field against FC Gomel? Or is it going to be a strong first-team side?

For Liverpool, it’s an opportunity tonight for Jamie Carragher to win his 700th appearance for the club, which will be an incredible achievement for this footballer.

For viewers in the United States, the game will be shown live on FOX Soccer beginning at 2pm ET.

Before, during and after today’s match, post your rants, raves, questions and observations in the comments section below.