Liverpool travel to Portugal for for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash with Braga on Thursday night. The Reds are unbeaten in Europe this season and they will be looking to keep alive their hopes of going all the way to the final in Dublin.However, Braga will pose a real test for Kenny Dalglish's side having already beaten Celtic and Arsenal in European competition this season.Liverpool are without skipper Steven Gerrard as the key midfielder is struggling with a groin injury.Gerrard played through the pain barrier in last weekend's win over Manchester United and it is feared the Reds talisman could face surgery on the problem.Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen is expected to replace Gerrard in midfield alongside Lucas.Andy Carroll could be set for his European debut for Liverpool after making his long-awaited bow for the club with a late cameo appearance in the 3-1 victory over United last Sunday.However, Carroll is likely to have to content himself with a place on the bench as Dalglish is unwilling to take any risks on his fitness.Luis Suarez is ineligible for Liverpool, meaning David Ngog could come into contention for a starting place.Defensive trio Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio are all missing through injury, so Danny Wilson could start at left-back with Glen Johnson reverting to his normal right-back spot after being used on the opposite flank in recent weeks.Young reserve team full-backs John Flanagan and Emmanuel Mendy have been included in the squad, while Jonjo Shelvey remains sidelined with a knee injury.Braga go into the game on a high after ending Benfica's unbeaten record last weekend.The home side hope midfielder Alan recovers from a stomach problem in time to face Liverpool.Otherwise, Braga coach Domingos Paciencia has no new injury worries to contend with for his side's first ever meeting with the Anfield outfit.The Reds will come up against a familiar face in the shape of former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana.