Turkish giants Besiktas were close to avoiding defeat at Anifield, but they face a tough task in the return leg after Mario Balotelli scored a late penalty.

The Reds extended the bright run of results by defeating Southampton at the weekend and they will fancy their chances of qualifying for the next stage.

Besiktas have been quite impressive in the current season, although the recent poor run of results is threatening to ruin their campaign.

The Black Eagles were first knockout out of the Turkish Cup by losing to Kayserispor, before the narrow defeat at Anfield damaged their hopes of reaching Europa League final stages.

And with Besiktas also losing the league fixture to Eskisehirspor at the weekend, coach Slaven Bilic and his charges are in desperate need of a morale-boosting win.

The hosts do have some reason for optimism having won last three home games in all competitions, while also defeating Tottenham in the Europa League group stage.

And with Besiktas players very motivated to make things right, you should know that home win pays 3.20 (11/5) with bet365.

Slaven Bilic again faces a genuine selection headache given that Ersan Gulum and Ramon Motta are banned and Ismail Kobayasi, Tolga Zengin, Cenk Tosun and Alexander Milosevic are out injured.

The good news is that key midfielder Gokhan Tore has recovered from an ankle problem and he is widely expected to start against Liverpool.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Gonen – Kurtulus, Uysal, Franko, Opare – Hutchinson, Kavlak – Tore, Sosa, Sahan – Ba.

At one point in the season it looked as though Liverpool were in for a very difficult campaign, but the Reds have got to be congratulated for their performances since the turn of the year.

Brendan Rodgers’ side may have failed to get past the Champions League group stage, but they are now one of the favourites for the Europa League trophy, while they could go far in the FA Cup as well.

The most important thing is that the Reds are now back in contention for top 4 places in the Premier League, having closed the gap behind fourth-placed Manchester United to mere two points.

Liverpool not only won seven of last nine league fixtures, but they defeated top 4 rivals Spurs and Southampton in the process, and they have every reason to feel confident of clinching Champions League qualification.

They will first have to negotiate a difficult away clash against Besiktas, with the Reds priced at 2.50 (3/2) to win the second leg as well.

While Steven Gerrard remains on the sidelines, Mamadou Sakho is unlikely to be risked after missing the weekend’s game through a hip problem.

Lazar Markovic is suspended, but Daniel Sturridge should be recalled to the starting line-up, with Mario Balotelli expected to play a part as well.

Probable starting line-up (3-4-2-1): Mignolet – Lovren, Skrtel, Toure – Johnson, Henderson, Allen, Moreno – Lallana, Coutinho – Sturridge.