Dirk Kuyt is confident he will witness his former team secure a positive result this evening when he takes his seat at the Ataturk Stadium to watch Liverpool do battle with Besiktas in the Europa League.

The Reds have brought a 1-0 first-leg lead with them to Istanbul and will hope to successfully navigate a route into the last 16 of the competition on the banks of the Bosphorus.

Kuyt will be in attendance, taking in his first Liverpool game live since departing the club in 2012, and believes his ex-side will make the most of the hosts' need to attack.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com at the team hotel in Turkey, he said: "I think the stadium is sold out, so the supporters will be very fanatical.

"The funny thing about Turkish supporters is they always believe they can win - it doesn't matter if it's Liverpool, Barcelona or Real Madrid, they always think they have a chance.

"So they are very positive about the game, but in my opinion, Liverpool are favourites.

"Of course, Liverpool have some injured players so they will probably have a young team on the pitch.

"I think Besiktas will attack a lot, especially with their left and right wing-backs, so on the counter-attack there will be lots of space and I expect Liverpool to get some chances in these situations. They have a great chance [to win]."

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After six years, 285 appearances and 71 goals at Anfield, Kuyt remains a devoted supporter of the club, and a popular figure among Kopites.

The 34-year-old departed the Reds in the summer of 2012 for a new challenge with Fenerbahce - and though it's one he's enjoyed, he confesses Liverpool still holds a special place in his heart.

He said: "Life is good. Totally different to when I lived in Liverpool, but we've had three years here with a different experience in a different culture and we are enjoying ourselves.

"Of course I miss Liverpool. It is the place I lived the longest with my family - more than six years. We had an amazing time there and I would be lying if I said I didn't miss it."

Kuyt has made close to 100 appearances for Fenerbahce since moving to Turkey three years ago.

He admits it's been an enriching experience for he and his family, both on and off the field.

"It's totally different," explained the Dutchman. "We were so used to living in England, some of my children were born in Liverpool and went to school there.

"When you come to Turkey, it is a different country and culture. You have to take your children to an international school and things are different. We had to find our way in the beginning, but as a person and also a footballer, it's a great experience.

"The football is also very different, but the emotion in the games is so high and the supporters are fanatical. It's great to play the derby games against Galatasaray and Besiktas.

"I've always said the best supporters are in England, and the way the fans are in the Premier League is amazing. But this is a totally different kind of support to England - they are so fanatical and sing for 90 minutes. They are always behind the team and you will feel the stadium moving tonight."