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Brendan Rodgers has urged his fringe stars to step up and deliver in Liverpool’s Europa League Group B clash with FC Sion at Anfield.

The Reds boss will make wholesale changes for the visit of the Swiss Cup holders with one eye on Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison,

Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, James Milner, Lucas Leiva, Nathaniel Clyne and Mamadou Sakho are set to be among those rested.

Kolo Toure, Joe Gomez, Joe Allen, Jordan Rossiter, Adam Lallana, Jordon Ibe and Divock Origi are poised to start as the Reds look to build on their 1-1 draw away to Bordeaux on matchday one.

“Our approach to this game will be how it’s been in the competition so far,” Rodgers said.

“It’s an opportunity for players on the fringes who haven’t been getting so many games.

“Our home games in this competition are very important and we enter into this game with that mindset. Then we’ll concentrate on the game on Sunday.

“If we can get a win against Sion that will hopefully set us well for the weekend.”

We'll need to be patient

Rodgers admits that last Saturday’s 3-2 league victory over Aston Villa has lifted the mood in the camp after a miserable run of results.

“Whenever you win confidence grows,” he said.

“The performance level had been building towards that in terms of our creativity. We scored good goals and created a lot of chances but we were disappointed with the goals we conceded.

“The focus and intensity from the first whistle was outstanding. I respect there was maybe a wee bit of anxiety around, but the players are responding very well and starting to show that they can play together and that cohesion is very clear.”

Rossiter shone in Bordeaux a fortnight ago and the Academy graduate will be rewarded with another run out. It will be the first time the teenager has graced Anfield with the first team since his debut in the League Cup against Middlesbrough a year ago.

“Jordan is a young player who is developing well,” Rodgers said.

“He has a strong personality. Him and the other young guys did very well in the last game. Jordan will certainly be in contention for this game.”

Sion sit fifth in the Swiss Super League and arrive on the back of two successive league defeats which have cranked up the pressure on boss Didier Tholot. However, they did beat Rubin Kazan 2-1 in their opening Europa League group game.

“It’s a game where we need to be patient,” Rodgers added.

“Their style is very much counter-attack. They sit deep and get bodies behind the ball so we will have to work the ball, create our openings and take the opportunities when they come.”