Besiktas have already played Arsenal and Tottenham home and away in European competition this year so it probably wasn’t a surprise when they drew Liverpool in the last 32 of the Europa League. A narrow defeat to Arsenal in the play-off round of the Champions League meant they had to be content with a place in the lesser of the two competitions. Qualifying along with Tottenham from the group stage see’s them competing against yet another Premier League side but they remain will in the tie after a slightly unlucky 1-0 defeat last Thursday. Their home record has been strong throughout the season and with a player such as Demba Ba in their ranks – considering his recent history with Liverpool – they will be hopeful of progressing to the last 16.
Liverpool are enjoying their best spell of the season and although they have not played the style of football that wowed so many last year, they look a lot more accomplished than the earlier stages of this campaign. Of course, they’re only playing in this competition through default after finishing third behind Basel and Real Madrid in their Champions League group. It might not be their main priority with an FA Cup quarter final and their battle for a top four spot probably their two main targets, but they will want to continue their recent good run and follow up the hard work of last Thursday’s victory.
The Turkish club are not the most prolific of teams and they seem to fair better on their travels than they do at home. They will take confidence from their 1-0 win over Spurs back in December and will also point to the fact they held Arsenal to a goalless draw in Instanbul. However, they have already lost to both Fenerbache and Galatasaray, which equates to their two biggest rivals and as a result, games of the season. They failed to score in both those games, too.
Defeats to Basel and Real Madrid (without scoring a goal) and a 2-2 draw with Ludogorets is hardly inspiring form away from home in Europe but this match takes on a different dynamic being the second leg of a tie they have a lead in, albeit a narrow win. The onus will be on the home side even more and that should allow Liverpool’s attack the space they crave. Jordan Ibe won the penalty last week and his role could be crucial once again.
Besiktas may well rue that late penalty as it will change their approach to this game. They may not have to go gung ho from the off but they will have to score and it’s something they have failed to do in four of their last six in all competitions. Liverpool have been better defensively in recent weeks, keeping three clean sheets in their last five, and I think this match will suit them. They will look to settle into what will be a hostile atmosphere and if they can avoid conceding early, their superior attacking options should give them the edge and take them through.
Liverpool 6/4 @ Ladbrokes
