On Thursday, Liverpool return to European play for the first time since crashing out of the UCL group stage following a 1-1 draw against Basel at Anfield. The squad will hope their EL fortune plays out a bit differently in this competition. This year, for the first time, the winner of the Europa League is guaranteed a spot in next year’s UEFA Champions League. If a squad wins Europa League but does not qualify through domestic performance, it does not take away the spot of any club who does qualify through domestic performance. This adds a certain intrigue to the competition, which was conspicuously absent in years past.

Besiktas comes into Anfield sitting at the top of the Turkish Super Lig, having won 4 of their last 5 matches. While Super Lig clearly isn’t English Premier League caliber football, Besiktas are in an impressive run of form and could certainly prove to be dangerous. Demba Ba returns to Anfield where he last crippled Liverpool’s title hopes wearing a nasty crest. Liverpool certainly have motivation to shut him down.

Andy Hunter reports that Liverpool should have Raheem Sterling fit for the match, which is a huge boost to Liverpool’s attack. Sterling and Sturridge have built a partnership on and off the pitch, and their chemistry is something special to watch. With Markovic already out due to a 4-match suspension handed down by UEFA, Liverpool need the quality of their pacey winger to put the opposing defense on its heals. Don’t be surprised to see Jordon Ibe make an appearance as well.

Many supporters believe that this match is the time for Balotelli and Sturridge to be partnered up top. While I think this may happen, I don’t expect it the two to start together. We may see Balo come on as a 65th minute sub if we are in a good spot.

Player To Watch (Besiktas):

Demba Ba

Demba Ba has performed well during his stint at Besiktas. He has netted 22 times in 28 matches across all competitions for the Turkish club. Liverpool supporters don’t need to be reminded of the damage Demba can do if given his chance. The back line will need to lock him down and cut off his supply.

Player To Watch (Liverpool):

Daniel Sturridge

Since his return to the squad on January 31, Daniel Sturridge has netted twice for the Reds. But it’s not just his scoring that helps Liverpool. Daniel Sturridge brings the threat of scoring every time he gets into the final third, with or without the ball at his feet. This creates so much space for the rest of the squad, space that was quite evidently missing for the months during his injury. If Danny Boy gets the start, I wouldn’t count against him scoring, but I think he will be the focal point of Besiktas’ defensive efforts. As such, it wouldn’t surprise me to see 2 or 3 goals come from the midfield and wingers.

Prediction:

I think this match will be closer than the 8-0 drubbing Liverpool handed Beskitas in 2007 (really going out on a limb there), but I also think Liverpool will win comprehensively.

Liverpool 3-1 Besiktas

-Westinho