Liverpool v Besiktas: Bilic's battlers to give Reds an Anfield scare

Will Demba Ba dash Liverpool's dreams yet again?

After missing out on a place in the Champions League's last 16, Liverpool now begin their Europa League push. Kevin Hatchard thinks they'll have a tricky night against Turkish league leaders Besiktas...

Liverpool v Besiktas
Thursday February 19, 20:05
Live on ITV 1

After an abominable Champions League campaign which featured one win in six games, Liverpool have been given a second bite of this season's European cherry. The Reds are in much better shape now that manager Brendan Rodgers has found a system that gets the most out of his players, and the return of attacking talisman Daniel Sturridge from injury has proved a gigantic boost.

A revitalised Liverpool haven't lost a game in 90 minutes since mid-December, when they went down 3-0 at Manchester United. They have won four of their last five games in league and cup, and their much-maligned defence has racked up five clean sheets in the last 10 outings.

Liverpool fans are right to be growing in confidence regarding an exciting and successful end to the season, but I just can't support the Reds at the skinny price of 1.594/7 for the home win. Turkish Super Lig leaders Besiktas are having a fine season at home and abroad, and they have already shown they have no fear of facing English clubs.

Slaven Bilic's side gave Arsenal an almighty scare in the Champions League qualifiers. After a goalless draw in Turkey, Besiktas missed some presentable chances in a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates. Having dropped down to the Europa League, Besiktas then gave an excellent account of themselves against Spurs. Former Chelsea and Newcastle striker Demba Ba scored a late equaliser at White Hart Lane in a 1-1 draw, and the Black Eagles edged the reverse fixture 1-0 to make sure of top spot in the group.

Besiktas were unbeaten in their three away games in the group stage, and in the Super Lig they have won nine of their ten away matches. Although Besiktas are embroiled in a three-way scrap for the title, Bilic is not a man who prioritises competitions.

The former Croatia defender will field the strongest side possible, and I expect his team to play with their usual intensity and high work-rate. Besiktas have added motivation, as they look to avenge an 8-0 hammering they suffered at Anfield in the Champions League back in 2007.

The Turkish visitors are without first-choice keeper Tolga Zengin, but the rest of their key players are fit and in good form. Winger Gokhan Tore is finally living up to his potential, Argentinean Jose Sosa pulls the strings in midfield, while Liverpool fans know all too well how much damage Ba can do. The Senegalese striker took advantage of a now-infamous slip by Steven Gerrard to fatally damage Liverpool's title hopes last term, as he scored the opener for Chelsea in a 2-0 win.

Liverpool's team news isn't so encouraging. Defensive midfielder Lucas is out with a thigh injury, and there's no-one else in the squad who can offer the same expert level of screening for the back three.

Skipper Steven Gerrard is also out, and he's still the man Liverpool turn to when adversity comes knocking. Flying machine Raheem Sterling faces a fitness test on a foot injury, while the improving Lazar Markovic now begins a four-match European ban after being sent off in both the Champions League and Europa League in the past 12 months.

It's tempting to lay Liverpool at such a short price, but there is a chance they could edge a close one and gain a slim first-leg advantage. I'm backing Besiktas +1.0 on the Asian Handicap at 1.875/6, which pays out in the event of a draw or an away win, and returns your stake if Liverpool only win by one goal.

It's worth noting that despite their recent improvement, only two of the Reds' last seven wins have come by a margin of two goals or bigger.

Recommended Bet
Back Besiktas +1.0 on the Asian Handicap at 1.875/6

2014/15 Europa League P/L (1pt per bet)

Points Staked: 50

Points Returned: 56.04

P/L: +6.04 points