Insua admits that Liverpool could be at a disadvantage when they take a step into the unknown against the unheralded Unirea this evening.

Indeed, while the Anfield outfit can claim three previous successes in the competition under its previous guise as the UEFA Cup, their Romanian opponents are enjoying only their second-ever European campaign.

“People think that it is easy but I think they are the most difficult games because we don’t know too much about them,” says Insua.

“We know some things because the staff have been watching them and we have been told that they are playing well, particularly on the counter-attack, and that we will have to push them if we want to win the game.”

For all the talk extolling the virtues of the Europa League, Liverpool’s biggest game of the week will take place at Eastlands on Sunday against fourth-placed Manchester City.

“This week will be crucial for us,” says Insua. “Obviously Man City is a big game but if we can win against Unirea that will give us more confidence before we play City.”

Liverpool have been installed as favourites for the Europa League by some bookmakers, and captain Steven Gerrard believes it would be foolish to underestimate Benitez’s side in the competition.

“It’s very dangerous to bet against Liverpool, especially when our backs are to the wall,” says the 29-year-old, who, along with Jamie Carragher, is one of only two remaining squad members who played in the 5-4 UEFA Cup final victory over Alaves nine years ago.

“This season has been inconsistent and hasn’t gone to plan. However, for me as captain and for the team, we’ve got one more trophy to lift.

“So we’ll be giving everything to go all the way. Anyone who underestimates the Europa League is not for me because I’ve lifted the UEFA Cup before.

“It’s a special trophy, and 2001 was a superb final. Hopefully we can experience the same feeling this season.”

PROBABLE TEAMS

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Reina; Kelly, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Insua; Mascherano, Aquilani; Babel, Gerrard, Riera; Kuyt.

UNIREA URZICENI (4-4-2): Arlauskis; Bordeanu, Galamaz, Mehmedovic, Brandan; Frunza, Apostol, Fernandes, Nicu; Bilasco, Semedo.