Besiktas vs Liverpool Preview

Besiktas vs Liverpool Preview

It crunch time for Liverpool as they travel to Turkey for the second leg of their Europa league tie with Besiktas.

 

It’s nice being able to write posts on this blog and talk about Liverpool’s good form. Liverpool have won 4 of their last 5 games, kept 4 clean sheets in that time and haven’t lost in normal time in 2015 so far.

 

 

The first leg was as many are a tight affair settled by one goal. After a squabble Balotelli put a late penalty away to give Liverpool a slight advantage going to Turkey.

 

The Reds come off the back of an impressive win away at high flying Southampton. Despite not playing at their best, Liverpool kept a clean sheet and clinched a crucial victory, the sign of a good side.

 

Besiktas lost their most recent away at Eskiehipor, a mid - table Turkish side. Besiktas have not scored in either of their last 2 games which will be a worry for them. They did however win their last home game 3 - 2 although this result if repeated would see Liverpool through on away goals.

 

Liverpool’s slight lead could prove to be a crucial one. Turkey is not exactly known as being an easy place to go to for any Football side, as Liverpool discovered to their previous visit to Beisktas in the Champions League where Rafa Benitez’s side lost 2 - 1.

 

 

Liverpool’s defence has greatly improved and it will need to be at its best to keep the Turkish side at bay.

 

Brendan Rodgers will be very encouraged to play his strongest side after seeing the Reds beat Southampton despite playing in the Europa league on Thursday. Despite concerns it would negatively affect the team, winning against Besiktas was still followed by victory at St Mary’s.

 

Liverpool have some injury concerns going into the game. Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva are all likely to miss the game through injury. This will leave Liverpool light in midfield and while Emre Can could move forward into the centre, Sakho and Johnson may also miss the game leaving the Reds short at the back.

 

After dropping to the bench on the weekend Daniel Sturridge may return to the starting line-up. Jordan Ibe is likely to retain his place along with Alberto Moreno in the wing back position with Lazar Markovic being suspended.

 

Turkey is a tough place to go in Europe and a hostile crowd is guaranteed. However Liverpool should be confident with their recent good form and I expect them to reach the next round tonight.