Gerrard, Sterling to be rested?

Cape Town - The British media are reporting that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling will be rested for tonight's Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

With a Chelsea league encounter scheduled for Saturday lunchtime, the Reds boss is prepared to rest crucial players knowing he could face a backlash.

According to the Mirror's David Maddock, Rodgers doesn't see resting Gerrard and Sterling as a risk.

“I don’t see it as a gamble,” Rodgers is quoted explaining. “This week and these games against the likes of Real Madrid I see as a great opportunity for the squad – you put them out there and you put your trust in them to perform.”

“In Steven’s case, if he is playing on Saturday I have to look at what is the priority for him and us. If he played against Newcastle and didn’t play tomorrow night you could say that was the priority.”

“Him and I have spoken about that. Three big games, Newcastle, Madrid and then Chelsea. I need to look at a number of players to look at the games we want them to play in.”

In reality, the chances of pulling off a result at Real Madrid are rather slim for Liverpool and perhaps Rodgers is right to prioritise the Premier League clash.