Liverpool host Turkish outfit, Besiktas in this season’s Europa League first knockout round. The game is the first of two legs and is one of the standout ties drawn at this stage in the competition.
Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League earlier in the season after they finished just one goal short of qualifying. However, since then, the Reds have massively improved in their form and style. The form they had all of last season looks to have returned after going missing earlier in the season. Liverpool will be looking to repeat their form in Europe.
Besiktas are top of the Turkish league and look a real danger to Liverpool’s Europa League hopes. In the Champions League qualifying round, Besiktas put up a real test against Arsenal and so nearly went through. Unfortunately for them, they had to settle for the Europa League where they beat Tottenham Hotspur in Turkey. So they’ve already proven that they can cause problems for some of England’s best sides.
You may remember all the way back in 2007, Liverpool recorded the Champions League’s all-time record for biggest scoreline in a game against Besiktas. The Reds thumped the Turks, 8-0. I’m sure Brendan Rodgers would want a repeat of that tonight.
(LiverpoolFC.com)
Liverpool were collectively amazing in their last outing to Crystal Palace. The Reds were patient and didn’t rush proceedings despite falling a goal down. This is something that wouldn’t have happened earlier in the season and this is partly the reason they have drastically improved.
Daniel Sturridge found the net last time out, but perhaps the Liverpool striker could be rested due to a massive game on Sunday. The Reds face the Saints on Sunday afternoon which could prove significant in their top four hopes. Mario Balotelli has maybe had his best week in a red shirt last week. He managed to get himself on the score-sheet for the first time in the Premier League and set up Adam Lallana’s winner on Saturday. Could the Italian be in contention to start?
Adam Lallana played well at Selhurst Park and he could well be in the running to start. I think he should. Even if Raheem Sterling is back from injury, I’d make sure his legs are fresh and ready for the Southampton game. Likewise with Philippe Coutinho. Coutinho has played so many games recently and his form has dropped a tad in the last couple of games, understandably. He could do with a rest.
Lazar Markovic is suspended for both of the Besiktas fixtures. The Serb was sent off for violent conduct in the Reds’ last Champions League game against Basel. The winger has been handed a four match ban by UEFA. This will make way for Jordon Ibe to continue his brilliant run of form. Ibe will start right wing-back, it’s pretty much nailed on. The loan recall looks good now, doesn’t it?
I’d keep the same back three as they have all been terrific recently. I think it’s huge that there isn’t a goal conceded by Liverpool as away goals are so crucial in these games. Let’s hope Mignolet keeps up his run of form, too.
This is the side I’d go with:
(http://fanscorners.com/liverpool/squad-selector/)
Bobby Vincent
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