Aurelio aims to witness fitness

The Brazilian has been restricted to just five appearances - and has not started since August 26 - since re-signing in the summer because of injury. He will play at left-back in the absence of Paul Konchesky, who is one of seven first-teamers either injured or being rested. A number of other changes from Sunday's defeat at Tottenham are expected and Aurelio said it was up to these fringe players to take their chance. "My fitness has been improving," said the 31-year-old. "I had a small problem at the beginning of the season with my Achilles but I've come on as a substitute in the last few games and I am feeling confident. "When you are not playing regularly what you want is to get the match fitness so it will be a great opportunity to see what physical condition I am in but I think I will be ready. "It is a great opportunity for all of us who have not played regularly in the last few games, especially for the young boys who may have their first experience of playing for Liverpool. "But on the other hand they are not used to it so it could be a great start to get this experience. "They know they won't have many opportunities like this so this is a game for them to show the manager he can count on them. "They want to show great ability and do what the boss has been asking of them in the past and trying to teach us." A win would put Liverpool through as Group K winners with a game to spare, while a draw would be enough to ensure qualification. "It would be very good if we qualified tomorrow but it won't be easy because they play good football and they are playing at home," added Aurelio. Manager Roy Hodgson, as he has done all season, has had to protect some of his players because he his priority is the Premier League. With the loss of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher to injury recently he feels it is all the more imperative to shield key players. As a result the likes of reserve team youngsters Dani Pacheco, Nathan Eccleston, Danny Wilson, Jack Robinson and John Flanagan are all included in the squad "My job is to balance some of the games at the moment," said the Reds boss. "We have a lot of matches between now and Christmas and we are anxious to go into the new year at least in the top half of the table. "I know, given the injuries to players which has hit us quite hard recently, I have to be very careful going into this period that I have a good squad to select from for Premier League games."