Liverpool vs Besiktas- Match Preview

England's most successful European team Liverpool look to Thursday evening where they will face second in the Turkish Super Lig Besiktas  whose highest European achievement points to their Champions league quarter final in 1987 and UEFA league quarter final in 2003.

Liverpool hold a 1-0 lead following on from the first leg at Anfield where Mr controversy Mario Ballotelli secured the lead with a penalty in the 85th minute coming off the bench. The penalty created a small degree of anarchy for the Liverpool team with Sturridge and Henderson confronting Ballotelli who was not the designated penalty taker.  The two teams differ in form with Liverpool losing just twice in all competitions since December 2nd, while the
Turkish outfit have lost 3 of their past 6 fixtures.

Besiktas striker Demba Ba is currently the Turkish side's top scorer in European competitions with 5 goals in 5 games while Liverpool have struggled to score in European competition with Gerrard the top scorer on 2 in 6 games. However the former Chelsea man who scored the infamous goal that remains in Liverpool fans hearts as their Captain slipped may not be a worry. Twitter was a rife with rumours circulating that he has been ruled out due to a calf injury although nothing has been confirmed yet. Besiktas recent lack of form means they look likely to miss out on a 14th Turkish title to current leaders Galatasary who have overtaken Besiktas and remain at the top of the league by one point. Still compared to the Merseyside club they are fairly successful as Liverpool remain in 6th place two points away from a champions league place and 15 points off top spot.
With Besitkas without Motta and centre back Gulum, Beskitas look a troubled team. but the Attaturk where the second leg will be played has seen famous comebacks before..

Liverpool cruised past Southampton 2-0 on Sunday despite looking shaky for periods of the match,
Phillipe Coutinho again demonstrated his shooting ability after firing Liverpool ahead in the opening 5 minutes with a 30 yard strike that flew past Frazer Forster. Liverpool seemed happy to continue the rest of the game banking on the one nil lead but it become a solid strategy as defensive error by Southampton allowed for Raheem Sterling to strike home to secure the win. Liverpool look the stronger party heading into the fixture with the Merseyside club the most inform team in English football currently.

A different focus on the style of football has innovated the Liverpool team who overall look a solid formidable outfit from the back significantly down to the introduction of Emre Can to both defence and midfield as well as Mignolet looking much more assertive after his removal from the first team. Liverpool will be without Steven Gerrard who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, Henderson will remain captain. Glen Johnson and Lucas are also out with injury. Ballotelli is rumoured to be rewarded with his recent improvement with a rare start possibly partnering Daniel Sturridge which fans have been crying out for since Sturridge's return to fitness.

Predicted Line Up
                 Mignolet
          Sakho Can Skrtel
 Sterling Henderson Allen Moreno
                  Coutinho
           Sturridge Ballotelli

Predicted Score line- Liverpool 2-2 Besiktas