As Liverpool traveled to the Netherlands for their Wednesday Champions League showdown with Dutch giants PSV, we learned that there were several superstars that were not making the trip.
Arne Slot was taking the opportunity to give a lot of his key players a rest as the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and others were left behind to get a well-earned rest at what is becoming a loaded few weeks of fixtures for the Reds.
With that as the backdrop, and this clearly being a chance for more fringe players to leave a mark, I'm here to rank the three most important things you should be watching for once the action kicks off.
1. Who is going to rise to the occasion?
Make no mistake about it, this is still a huge fixture as Liverpool do not have the top spot in the UCL league phase just yet, so a win will still be the main objective.
There is also a signifcant number of youth players included in the squad so can one or two of them step up to a Champions League night? We saw youngsters shine last season, none more important than in the League Cup final, so the history is there.
Perhaps we can see a vintage Wataru Endo midfield outing as he will be one of the more senior players that will likely be called upon.
Of course, we also have to think of Darwin Nunez and if he can keep his good vibes going by potentially snagging a goal or two.
Slot and his staff will need someone off the radar to step up and make plays if Liverpool are going to be able to secure the maximum points. Federico Chiesa will also be eager to get a good run as he has been rounding into form in recent matches.
2. An Arne Slot homecoming
Our boss is very familiar with Wednesday's opposition as he did battle with them during his time at Feyenoord and AZ in addition to his time as a player in the Eredivisie.
He will know exactly how PSV will want to approach this match and despite the huge stars being left behind, Slot will be very wary of the dangers the hosts will provide.
He makes his return to his home nation as one of the best coaching stories of the season in the sport after he has seamlessly taken over for the legendary Jurgen Klopp and in some ways, has found the ability to raise the Reds levels in certain aspects.
While he has shown he is one of the coolest customers on the touchline, you cna be certain there will be a few butterflies as he returns at the helm of one of, if not the best, clubs in the world on current form.
Getting the lads focused early and off to a good start will be essential to settling his nerves and those of the younger players that will be taking part.
3. A glimpse into the future at Anfield
Trey Nyoni, Tyler Morton, Jayden Danns and Amara Nallo have all been included in the squad among even more youth.
Some of those names will get their chance to be on the pitch in a Champions League match away from home and that could invaluable in their development. Nyoni and Morton in particular, could be on display for significant portions.
If we can see some of the young talents put in a proper shift in a tough environment on the biggest stage, it will bode so very well for the future at Liverpool.
It will be interesting to see how many of these young starlets get a chance to perform on Wednesday, and it will be extra special to see them make plays throughout the match.
It will be a dream come true for some of them but it's only the first step on the long journey of success.