LIVERPOOL go to Turkey with a slender lead to protect. Will they see the tie through? Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) takes a look at the tie for us.
Besiktas v Liverpool | Thursday 18:00 | ITV4
At some point, (some point!) Liverpool's bustling fixture list will surely catch up with them. Trying to spin three plates at one time (Top 4, FA Cup and Europa League) leads to spillage, but will that come on Thursday?
Rewind to last week's first leg and I felt the English side might try to put the tie to bed, but they protect just a one goal lead from the Anfield encounter. That late penalty goal (who took it again?) has still given them a platform in this tie though.
I can't see many goals in this game at all. Similar to my approach on Sunday when they played Southampton, I'm happy to side with a low-scoring encounter. The stats say it all, nine of the last 12 Liverpool games went Under 2.5 and I just can't see Besiktas running amok here.
The Turks were knocked off the top of the Super Liga at the weekend after losing to bottom half Eskisehirspor, and the fact that Galatasaray have overtaken them makes me doubt the strength of the Turkish league. You'll recall Galatasaray conceding 19 goals in their Champions League group, with no win to show.
With some key men out (Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho at the top of the sick list) there is a concern about Liverpool, but with that one goal lead and no away goal conceded they should be fine. Whether they win this game though is another matter. A matter I don't wish to tie my bet up in.
There are better bets in the Europa League on Thursday and I'll stick to goals and back the 17/11 on Under 2 Goals on the Asian Handicap Goal Line with 888 Sport. Crucially here, if exactly two goals are scored, I'll get my money back. It's just a more exciting and lucrative way of backing Under 2.5 Goals to be honest.
Best Bet
Besiktas v Liverpool – Under 2 Goals Asian Handicap Goal Line (17/11 888 Sport)
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