Liverpool, Inter aim to progress in Europa League

PARIS (AFP) - Liverpool and Inter Milan head a cast of clubs ranging from former giants to barely heard of newcomers to the European stage as they target progress to the group stage of the Europa League on Thursday.

Stewart Downing's first leg winner at Belarus side Gomel gave Brendan Rodgers a winning start to his career as Liverpool coach and the five-time champions of Europe will expect to finish the job at Anfield.

Rodgers says he thinks the atmosphere at home will bring the best out of his side.

"Anfield is so inspiring - you see the flags and scarves and there is so much tradition and heritage at the place.