Visualized: Liverpool 0-1 Besiktas

Previous Match Infographics: Southampton (a), Besiktas (h), Tottenham (h), Everton (a), West Ham (h), Chelsea (a) [League Cup], Chelsea (h) [League Cup], Villa (a), Sunderland (a), Leicester (h), Swansea (h), Burnley (a), Arsenal (h), Manchester United (a), Basel (h), Sunderland (h), Leicester (a), Stoke (h), Ludogorets (a), Crystal Palace (a), Chelsea (h), Real Madrid (a), Newcastle (a), Hull (h), Real Madrid (h), QPR (a), West Brom (h), Basel (a), Everton (h), West Ham (a), Ludogorets (h), Aston Villa (h), Tottenham (a), Manchester City (a), Southampton (h)

Match data from Who Scored, as StatsZone doesn't cover the Europa League. Which means no Passing Network because StatsZone is the only service which carries pass combinations (you can still find the players' average position at ESPN FC though).


(Nota Bene: Here's the formation diagram usually included in match reviews.)

Yesterday saw Liverpool's 43rd match of the season, the same total that Liverpool played in all of 2013-14. So it's probably not coincidence that Liverpool started fairly brightly, but seemed dead on their feet by the time Besiktas scored, holding on for the penalty kick lottery by the least little bit of their fingernails.

Liverpool should have taken the lead in the first half, during the 20-25 minute spell when Liverpool were clearly on top, but when they didn't – and it's certainly not the first time Liverpool have paid for an inability to score – it was a matter of damage limitation, hoping that they could keep the narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg.

That Liverpool did not attempt a single shot after the 56th minute, through the last 64 minutes of the match, is a very bad thing.

And, yes, we can blame Liverpool's packed fixture list – for both fatigue and injuries – for a lot of that. Four certain starters and one probable starter out injured: Henderson, Coutinho, Gerrard, Sakho, and Lucas. Another missing through suspension. Just two of five senior central midfielders fit, including one whose presence is much more important in defense.

It's hard to argue that Besiktas didn't deserve to win that tie. There were very fine margins, but Bilic's game plan worked better than Rodgers' game plan, and Besiktas were by far the better side by the end of the yesterday's match.

Bilic's changes yesterday changed the match: switching Töre and Sahan opened up Liverpool in the second half, Arslan troubled Liverpool much more than Jose Sosa. And, you may remember, he also scored the game-winner. Rodgers' changes either did little or baffled, especially removing Balotelli rather than Sturridge. Balotelli had been in control of himself despite the early yellow, and was crucial to Liverpool keeping possession, if only briefly, in Besiktas' half, an outlet that Liverpool very much needed. Sturridge, despite taking Liverpool's most threatening shot and creating Liverpool's other good chance, still very much looked a step slow and off the pace, needing much more time on the ball than Besiktas would ever allow.

Over two legs, Besiktas took more shots, created more chances, had a higher pass accuracy, made more saves, committed fewer defensive errors, and made more successful tackles, dribbles, and block. That Liverpool made it to penalty kicks speaks well to the defensive improvement we've seen over the last few months.

But at the same time, the only reason that Besiktas didn't win the tie by more, didn't win the tie without needing extra time or penalty kicks, is the same problem that's so often plagued Liverpool. Eight shots in the first leg, just one on target. 21 shots in the second leg, just six on target. Over two legs, 24.1% shot accuracy, worse than Liverpool's in either leg of the tie. At the end of 210 minutes, these were very similar sides – similar strengths, similar weaknesses, and similar home and away tactics – and needing penalty kicks to set them apart seemed only fitting.

Yes, Liverpool made it difficult for Besiktas, forcing 20 of those 29 shots to come from outside the box, allowing just five Danger Zone shots in 210 minutes. Incidentally, none of those five Danger Zone shots were on target. Still, Besiktas also failed to take six excellent chances over those two legs. Three were from set plays: first half headers from Gülüm and Kavlak a week ago, Ba blasting off the cross bar in second half injury time yesterday. Three were from open play, and they were the only three memorable saves Mignolet had to make over two legs: Ba's breakaway a week ago, Sahan's effort from the left-side of the box in the 40th minute, and Töre's blast from the same spot that Arslan scored from in extra time.

Yesterday was a match in keeping with the rest of Liverpool's European campaign. It looked an awful lot like the away match at Basel – good but not great opposition, but an even worse performance from an understrength and/or underperforming Liverpool – and it's the same result as that away match at Basel. Liverpool played eight European games this season. Liverpool scored all of six goals (four against the mighty Ludogorets) and kept a clean sheet in just one match.

In two seasons, Brendan Rodgers' European record is now 9W-D4-7L, an average of 1.55 points per game. Remove the 2012-13 Europa League qualifiers, against Gomel and Hearts, and it's 6W-3D-7L (1.3ppg).

Even worse is this:

The away results are most in need of improvement. Shutout in 5/8 games. 5-3 0-1 1-0 0-2 0-1 0-1 2-2 0-1

— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) February 26, 2015

That's Rodgers' European away record not including the 2012-13 qualifiers against Gomel and Hearts (both 1-0 wins). That's horrific. Five shutout losses, a 1-0 win over Udinese, a 2-2 draw at Ludogorets, and that insane 5-3 match against Young Boys. Aside from that match at Young Boys, they've all been absolutely dire to watch as well.

And Liverpool have now lost both knockout ties they were involved in.

Sure, there are lots of ifs and buts. If everyone, or even one or two more players, had been available. If Sturridge or Sterling had taken a first-half chance. If Lallana hadn't missed a sitter in the first leg. If Liverpool had chosen a different fifth penalty taker (although, I hate blaming penalty-takers for misses, and feel sympathy for Lovren, who at least had the stones to take it). Etc etc etc.

And there are one or two rays of positivity. Liverpool's defense remained pretty decent, even with the two enforced changes (although it'd certainly have been better without those changes). Alberto Moreno was pretty excellent yesterday, as were Allen and Mignolet to a lesser extent. Liverpool had all those aforementioned key players missing and everyone else fatigued and still almost made it through.

But, once again, it wasn't good enough. And now, Liverpool have *checks watch* slightly more than 44 hours before hosting last season's defending champions in a match that was already crucial to the league campaign, and has now become even more important.

Liverpool at Besiktas 02.26.14

1:00pm ET, live in the US on Fox Sports 1 (or Fox Sports Go and Fox Soccer 2Go apps)

Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-0 Southampton (a); 1-0 Besiktas (h); 2-1 Palace (a)
Besiktas: 0-1 Eskisehirspor (a), 0-1 Liverpool (a); 3-2 Bursaspor (h)

Previous European matches:
Liverpool: 1-0 Besiktas (h); 1-1 Basel (h); 2-2 Ludogorets (a); 0-1 Real (a); 0-3 Real (h); 0-1 Basel (a); 2-1 Ludogorets (h)
Besiktas: 0-1 Liverpool (a); 1-0 Spurs (h); 2-2 Asteras (a); 2-1 Partizan (h); 4-0 Partizan (a); 1-1 Spurs (a); 1-1 Asteras (h); 0-1 Arsenal (a); 0-0 Arsenal (h)

Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Balotelli, Gerrard 2; Henderson, Lambert 1
Besiktas: Ba 5; Töre 3; Kavlak, Özyakup, Tosun 1

Referee: Damir Skomina (SVN)

Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Toure Skrtel Lovren
Ibe Can Allen Moreno
Lallana Sterling
Sturridge

Unless Rodgers is really going to spring a surprise, there's not a lot that Liverpool can do with tomorrow's line-up.

Gerrard and Lucas remain injured, Markovic's suspended for three more matches, and now Henderson, Coutinho, Sakho, and Johnson are also out. Henderson has a minor ankle problem, Sakho's still bothered by the hip injury which kept him out of Sunday's match, Johnson's ill, and Coutinho's finally being rested.

So, unless Jordan Williams or Jordan Lussey make an unexpected appearance, the central midfield has to be Allen and Can. And if that's the case, the defense has to be Toure, Skrtel, Lovren, unless Javi Manquillo comes in at right center-back for his first appearance in a month, cup ties against Wimbledon and Bolton his only appearances in 2015.

Liverpool have a few more options up front, but I'd still be surprised if it's anything other than Sterling, Lallana, and Sturridge. Maybe Balotelli partners Sturridge with either Sterling or Lallana left out, maybe Balotelli replaces Sturridge with an eye on Sunday's match against Manchester City. Maybe Rodgers remembers which room he locked Lambert and Borini in. But I doubt it. Not with so many other senior players absent.

And even with all the above players absent, I also highly doubt that Liverpool would shift from the three-at-the-back system which has seen so much improvement over the last three months. That's gonna stay the same, regardless of how many players change.

Besiktas, coming off a weekend loss to 12th-place Eskisehirspor – just the second time the club have lost back-to-back matches this season – have injury concerns of their own. Attackers Demba Ba and Töre are questionable, but I'd expect both to be available if at all possible. Starting keeper Zengin remains injured, while both Gülüm and Ramon are suspended after picking up yellow cards in the last leg. And with defenders Koybasi and Milosevic already long-term casualties and Tomas Sivok not on Besiktas' Europa League player list, the home side will be starting a very makeshift defense. Either Atinc Nukan or midfielder Uysai will be drafted in at center-back, while I've no idea who'll start at left-back. Daniel Opare, joining on-loan from Porto last month, but yet to make an appearance for the club and usually a right-back? The other of the two players capable of starting at center-back? Someone else I've never heard of? Your guess really is as good as mine, and might even be better.

Regardless, Liverpool will look to take advantage of that weakness, even though I'd expect a lot less attacking in general from a Liverpool side away from home with a one-goal advantage and with many of its own regulars missing. As against Southampton, Liverpool will look to the counter-attack, especially Ibe against the stand-in left-back and Sterling and Sturridge against the unfamiliar center-back pairing.

Liverpool simply have to not lose tomorrow. "Simply." The suspicion is that should lead to a counter-attacking strategy – midfielders and defenders denying space in Liverpool's half, then looking to break through the front three – but this is still Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool, even if it's not last year's Liverpool. An early goal at the Ataturk would go a long way toward sealing the tie, not allowing Besiktas' unfamiliar defense the time to settle into a rhythm. Which, incidentally, is what Southampton attempted to do to Liverpool on Sunday. You remember how that went for Southampton.

Over the last few months, these two sides have taken more points because of their defense rather than their attack. But, and it seems obvious to say, this match will be won by goals, by the team with the better attack. Because you can't expect two makeshift defenses to go through 90 minutes without conceding.

Which, I expect you'll remember, is exactly how last season's Liverpool liked it.

Visualized: Liverpool 1-0 Besiktas

Previous Match Infographics: Tottenham (h), Everton (a), West Ham (h), Chelsea (a) [League Cup], Chelsea (h) [League Cup], Villa (a), Sunderland (a), Leicester (h), Swansea (h), Burnley (a), Arsenal (h), Manchester United (a), Basel (h), Sunderland (h), Leicester (a), Stoke (h), Ludogorets (a), Crystal Palace (a), Chelsea (h), Real Madrid (a), Newcastle (a), Hull (h), Real Madrid (h), QPR (a), West Brom (h), Basel (a), Everton (h), West Ham (a), Ludogorets (h), Aston Villa (h), Tottenham (a), Manchester City (a), Southampton (h)

Match data from Who Scored, as StatsZone doesn't cover the Europa League. Which means no Passing Network because StatsZone is the only service which carries pass combinations (you can still find the players' average position at ESPN FC though).


(Nota Bene: Here's the formation diagram usually included in match reviews.)

Typical Liverpool. For better and worse.

Even with Sturridge back, Liverpool are still fairly terrible in front of goal. Liverpool's first shot on-target inside the box came in the fourth minute, Liverpool's first shot of the match: Sturridge's point-blank, no-angle effort. Liverpool's second shot on-target inside the box was Balotelli's penalty in the 85th minute. In between? Five off-target – Lallana's sitter, Moreno's mis-hit volley, set play chances from Henderson, Skrtel, and Lovren – and a sixth which was blocked. That's horrific accuracy despite getting into some decent positions.

And, as has happened more than a few times, that combined with Besiktas' well-marshalled, deep defense forced Liverpool into a lot of shots from outside the box. Moreno's broken-clock's-still-right-twice-a-day effort from 35+ yards was brilliant, Balotelli and Sturridge at least put free kicks on-target, but that was the entirety of Liverpool's threat from outside the area, as Besiktas did well to close down Liverpool's chances from distance, especially in the first half.

All together, Liverpool put just five of its 18 shots on-target – 27.7% accuracy – with five blocked and eight off-target. Yikes.

At the same time, Liverpool remained very good at the back, especially in open play, despite a couple of missteps (and one Opta-defined error) from Emre Can. Besiktas got next to no joy from open play except for Ba's lone chance on the break in the 35th minute. Besiktas' two other remotely decent chances both came from set plays: Kavlak and Gülüm's first half chances from corners, both off-target. Besiktas, like Everton a couple of weeks ago, came to defend rather than attack – which isn't at all surprisingly in a first leg away leg of European competition – but Liverpool still did fairly well to plug most potential holes.

It was Liverpool's seventh clean sheet in the 18 matches since switching to 3-4-2-1. Liverpool kept just four clean sheets in the 23 matches prior.

But Simon Mignolet only had one save to make, which is a credit to Liverpool's defense (and midfield) but also symptomatic of how Besiktas approached the match. Still, Mignolet made it flawlessly, that fast break opportunity with Ba through on goal, with flashbacks of last April's match against Chelsea almost certainly foremost in his mind.

And the match would have ended like that Everton match a couple of a weeks ago if not for Mario Balotelli's late penalty after Ibe's furious run into the box. Special mention need be made of Ibe's performance, man of the match by almost every account. His 11 successful dribbles (including the one just prior to winning the penalty) were only one fewer than Besiktas had in total, and only Jordan Henderson created more chances than Ibe yesterday. His end product could have been even better, most notably failing with two crosses when in an excellent position, but it was another heady performance for a 19-year-old in his first European appearance, in just his fifth start for Liverpool.

More importantly, that was the seventh goal that Liverpool has scored after the 80th minute in cup competition this season: two in the home win against Ludogorets, two to beat Swansea in the league cup, two to beat Bolton in the FA Cup, and yesterday's 85th-minute penalty. Four matches that Liverpool have won at the death, after at least 80 minutes of frustration in each. It's not 2000-01, or even 2011-12, but Liverpool are turning into a reasonably competent cup side, a sign of their determination and increased confidence.

And Mario Balotelli is responsible for three of those late goals, and it's certainly worth mentioning his winner against Tottenham last week while we're on the subject. He's only scored four goals this season, but he's scored in four of the five competitions Liverpool are in this season, only needing an FA Cup goal to complete the set. It's probably no coincidence he's looked a much improved player with Sturridge back in the fold.

Not for the first time this season, Liverpool weren't at their best. But, not for the first time this season (especially during the last two-month stretch), Liverpool were still good enough. Liverpool were reasonably stingy at the back, Liverpool were resilient, and Liverpool kept pushing until finally making the needed breakthrough, even if it would have saved us a lot of agita had they made that breakthrough earlier.

This tie is still very much in the balance, taking a very narrow lead to a very tough ground, and there's still a lot of improvement that can be made, that needs to be made. But you can't ignore the improvement that's already evident.

Liverpool v Besiktas 02.19.14

3:05pm ET, live in the US on Fox Sports 2 (or Fox Sports Go and Fox Soccer 2 Go apps)

Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 Palace (a); 3-2 Spurs (h); 0-0 Everton (a)
Besiktas: 3-2 Bursaspor (h); 0-1 Kayserispor (a); 2-1 Rizespor (a)

Previous European matches:
Liverpool: 1-1 Basel (h); 2-2 Ludogorets (a); 0-1 Real (a); 0-3 Real (h); 0-1 Basel (a); 2-1 Ludogorets (h)
Besiktas: 1-0 Spurs (h); 2-2 Asteras (a); 2-1 Partizan (h); 4-0 Partizan (a); 1-1 Spurs (a); 1-1 Asteras (h); 0-1 Arsenal (a); 0-0 Arsenal (h)

Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Gerrard 2; Balotelli, Henderson, Lambert 1
Besiktas: Ba 5; Töre 3; Kavlak, Özyakup, Tosun 1

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)

Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Can Skrtel Sakho
Ibe Henderson Allen Moreno
Lallana Coutinho
Sturridge

It's probably safe to assume that despite a massive, massive league match in the race for a Champions League place on Sunday, Liverpool will start a full-strength XI. Which means there are only a few possible changes from the side we saw at Crystal Palace.

With Markovic suspended for the next four (!!!) European matches, the midfield and defense seem fairly certain. Can, Skrtel, Sakho. Ibe, Henderson, Allen, and Moreno. Gerrard's still out and I assume Rodgers still sees no reason to shift Can into midfield and bring Lovren or Johnson into the side.

The front three is less predictable. Is Sterling fit after missing the last two matches? Does Coutinho need a rest after starting every match since December 9 – 17 matches in 63 days? That's a lot. And it's shown in the last few difficult fixtures against Everton, Tottenham, and Palace.

Still, if I had to guess, I'd assume Sterling will be used as a substitute, if at all – one of the few saved for Southampton – with the same front three we saw at Palace. I guess there's a small chance of Sturridge and Balotelli paired up front, with either Lallana or Coutinho in behind, as we saw in the second half of Saturday's match, but I suspect that'll also be a "break glass in case of emergency" situation. Or Lallana could play as the right wing-back, as he did after substitutions against West Ham and Palace. But, again, I'd be surprised. Rodgers rarely springs surprises, at least not when Liverpool are in a decent vein of form.

Often the third of the three big clubs in Turkey, Besiktas are currently top of the Super Lig, a single point ahead of Fenerbahce and two ahead of Galatasaray.

In lieu of attempting to preview a team I've seen all of twice this season, I'll direct you to this excellent write-up from Bass Tuned to Red. The short version: underwhelming statistics, but strong at both ends, converting more chances and conceding fewer goals than you'd expect. Which suggests we'll see a very cagey first leg.

Besitkas almost always play some variant of 4-3-3: usually 4-2-3-1, sometimes 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1. I wouldn't be surprised to see the more defensive 4-1-4-1, an XI something like Gonen; Kurtulus, Franco, Gülüm, Ramon; Kavlak; Töre, Hutchinson, Sosa, Sahan; Ba. Out-and-out defensive midfielder Uysai is also an option, most likely in place of Canadian Atiba Hutchinson. Gonen is Besiktas' back-up keeper, with club captain Zengin out injured, but its not as if Gonen – 26-years-old, with 10 appearances this season and two caps for the Turkish national team – is inexperienced.

Besiktas have a few players you've heard of. We'll mention and then quickly move on from Demba Ba, for fear of provoking traumatic memories and/or bad trip acid flashbacks. As Bass Tuned to Red wrote, Jose Sosa – formerly of Atletico Madrid, among others – is also an important player, their version of Coutinho. More specifically, last season's Coutinho: the most advanced in a midfield three, the primary chance creator and assist maker. You'll also probably remember attacking midfielder Kerim Frei from Fulham, most often used as a substitute (as he was in his two previous appearances against Liverpool). And then there's Besiktas' manager, Slaven Bilic: former Everton and West Ham player, Croatian manager, and all-around enjoyable character.

With the first leg at Anfield, it's imperative that Liverpool perform well tomorrow, to have something to take to Turkey in a week's time. A side that's as defensively strong as Besiktas isn't going to give you much opportunity in Istanbul, so Liverpool needs to make its own opportunities on its own ground.

At the same time, two-legged ties are rarely won in the first leg, but they sure as hell can be lost. Liverpool have to strike a balance between taking the game to Besiktas and not leaving themselves open at the back, not doing anything stupid. But this season's been all about finding a balance, and Liverpool seem closer than ever to doing so.

Big wins and rotation

6-0 Derby:
Goals: Alonso 26’ 69’, Babel 45’, Torres 56’ 77’, Voronin 76’

Reina
Finnan Hyypia Agger Arbeloa
Pennant Alonso Mascherano Babel
Kuyt Torres

Subs: Benayoun for Pennant (61’); Voronin for Babel (73’); Sissoko for Mascherano (77’)

8-0 Besiktas:
Goals: Crouch 19’ 88’, Benayoun 32’ 52’ 56’, Gerrard 69’, Babel 78’ 81

Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio
Benayoun Mascherano Gerrard Riise
Crouch Voronin

Subs: Babel for Aurelio (63’); Kewell for Voronin, Lucas for Gerrard (72’)

It’s one thing to get a big win once a season. It could be just a one-off occurrence where everything just clicks, like winning 7-0 in the FA Cup against a team that’s going to be relegated and is being booed by their own fans with every step.

But few teams win 6-0 and 8-0 in a little over 2 months. Even fewer do it with entirely different line-ups.

Only 4 players -- Reina, Hyypia, Arbeloa, and Mascherano -- started both matches, with Arbeloa at left back against Derby and right back against Besiktas. 3 others -- Babel, Benayoun, and Voronin -- featured in both. All in all, Liverpool used 21 players in the two games, with 7 different goal scorers. This is where I should make some smart-ass remark about rotation not working.

It’s the first stage of the process, but Benitez is starting to institute a ruthless streak in Liverpool fitting of his malevolent-looking goatee and the past Valencia teams frequently likened to “crushing machines.” Step one is being able put over-matched opposition to the sword.

And it’s only fitting that Liverpool is capable of doing it while utilizing the entire squad.

Liverpool 8-0 Besiktas

Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio
Benayoun Mascherano Gerrard Riise
Crouch Voronin

Goals:
Crouch 19’ 89’
Benayoun 32’ 53’ 56’
Gerrard 69’
Babel 79’ 81’

Well, that was an emphatic response to the request for more goals and the previous European performances. Much like in the Derby game, when the goals come, they come in bunches. This was a performance that deserved to set the record for the biggest win the Champions League.

The team was simply on-form, and it didn’t hurt that luck was on their side as well (Babel scored the 7th goal with his back!). Liverpool could have had more than 5 after the first half, and it’s with little exaggeration that I say Besiktas was lucky not to concede double-digits. After 45 minutes, I was afraid the result might paper over some cracks, with 5 good chances not taken, but the second half certainly allayed those fears.

I realize that there was a distinct gulf in class between the sides, Besiktas came to defend, not play football, and everything went Liverpool’s way, but this was also the best performance of the season.

The most encouraging thing is that Liverpool’s chances came from different styles of play. Aurelio and Arbeloa were active on the wings and drove forward at will. Aurelio was able to pump in crosses (and Liverpool has missed his long range passing, especially in Alonso’s absence), while Arbeloa and Benayoun combined brilliantly down the right. Crouch laid off knock-downs, Gerrard stormed through the middle. Babel and Kewell looked to beat defenders. We even saw some of the old ‘pass and move.’ Liverpool did everything today, and did it well.

The difference was the four players who returned to the starting line-up today: Crouch, Voronin, Arbeloa, and Aurelio. The fullbacks were integral parts of the attack, as both players are wont to do (although Besiktas camping in their own half helped). Voronin got two assists (one of which was an insane back-heel to put Gerrard through), showed up everywhere in the final third, and deserved a goal of his own, while Crouch made his case for inclusion with a brace. More surprisingly, I don’t think Crouch committed a foul today, and he drew a few free kicks of his own; he held up the play beautifully and filled his role to a tee.

Don’t get me wrong -- everyone played well. Yossi got a hat-trick from midfield, two of which came from rebounds in the box (3 of the goals came from spilled saves, which showed how many players Liverpool was able to get in the box), and picked up two assists with crosses for Babel’s first and Crouch’s second.

Babel’s first goal, back-heeled in to the net from Benayoun’s low cross, was absolutely out of this world. Henry-esque is the only way to describe it; I still can’t believe he tried it or that it came off. It's amazing what can happen when the team's brimming with confidence. His second came thanks to a stroke of luck, with a clearance ricocheting into the net off his back, but only the crossbar prevented him from a hat-trick of his own as a substitute.

Kewell got another 20 minutes off the bench, made some mazy runs, and looked to beat his man at every opportunity, while Gerrard scored his 4th in five games. Mascherano held it all together in the middle and played those short, incisive passes to open the attack. I can go on and on with praise for individual performances (and that of the manager, who deserves the credit when it goes right as he has to suffer so much stick when it doesn't).

But no matter the euphoria of today’s performance, with Porto’s win over Marseille, Liverpool will still need help from other results. Porto’s now 1st with 8 points, while Marseille’s still on 7. That help will probably need to come from today’s opponents. If Besiktas is able to take points off Marseille (in Istanbul) or Porto (in Porto), Liverpool’s still in with a shout if they win out.

I am admittedly worried that this result will gloss over some problems. Besiktas were not good today and for all intents and purposes gave up after Gerrard’s goal, while Liverpool did get lucky at times today, and absolutely everything that could go right did.

But if Liverpool continues to play like this, they can beat any opposition. Any. Opposition.

Now let’s see it in the league on Saturday.

Liverpool v Besiktas 11.06.07

2:45pm on espn2

Besiktas is currently 4th in the Turkish Super League. They beat Sheriff Tiraspol in the 2nd qualifying round and FC Zurich in the 3rd qualifying round to reach the group stage.

Group Stage:
Liverpool: 1-2 Besiktas (a); 0-1 Marseille (h); 1-1 Porto (a)
Besiktas: 2-1 Liverpool (h); 0-1 Porto (h); 0-2 Marseille (a)

Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 0-0 Blackburn (a); 2-1 Cardiff (h); 1-1 Arsenal (h)
Besiktas: 1-2 Fenerbahce (a); 0-0 Buyuksehir BSK (h); 2-1 Liverpool (h)

Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Kuyt 3; Crouch, Gerrard, Hyypia, Voronin 1
Besiktas: Bobo, Delgado 3; Koray Avci, Toraman 1

Referee: Markus Merk (GER)

Guess at a squad
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio
Gerrard Sissoko Mascherano Kewell
Crouch Voronin

After seeing the formation deployed in the last two league games, I'm wondering if the 4-2-3-1 is here to stay. I think it might be in the league, especially when Torres returns, but I think the team will line up in the familiar 4-4-2 tomorrow. Liverpool will need to as many men forward as possible and take the game to Besiktas, who will undoubtedly play with 10 men behind the ball.

Surprisingly, the media’s reporting that Torres is in the squad, but I find it very hard to believe he'll play any part. We saw what happened when he was rushed back against Arsenal; after Saturday's game against Fulham is a two-week international break, and I almost hope Torres won't return until after that. Plus, if he doesn't feature for Liverpool, it's far easier to tell Spain he's unavailable for their games.

Guessing Crouch and Voronin to start up top isn't a reaction to Kuyt's performance on Saturday. Those two strikers have scored in Europe, and I think both will be able to take advantage of Besiktas tomorrow, despite Liverpool's recurring problems in front of goal.

The main reason for Crouch's inclusion is that Besiktas will be missing their best aerial defender, Gokhan Zan, through injury. I know we've only seen Crouch and Voronin paired in the games at Toulouse and against Portsmouth, and while neither striker covered themselves in glory in either game, I still think the pairing has potential. Plus, both Kuyt and Babel would be available off the bench if necessary. Although I'm well aware that this is the 4th preview in a row I've picked Crouch to start (and it hasn't happened yet).

If Liverpool does play in a 4-4-2, I expect to see Gerrard on the right, with Mascherano paired with either Sissoko or Lucas in the center (I'm guessing Sissoko solely on experience). Gerrard's looked far better in the free role in the last two league matches, and he’s played in a similar manner when on the right. Especially if Kewell starts on the left, evidenced by the 23 goals Gerrard tallied in 05/06 when Kewell was healthy and the two were the usual starters on the flanks.

Kewell looked handy in his 25 minutes against Blackburn, and I'm interested to see if he can do it from the start. I truly don't think it's too soon for him to play more than 60 minutes at a minimum; he's looked fit and raring to go in his two substitute appearances and should be healthy enough to play more than an hour, as he's been involved in training for a couple of weeks now.

As Arbeloa was held out against Blackburn last weekend, I would imagine he'll start tomorrow, and hopefully, Aurelio will be on the opposite flank. We saw against Arsenal last year that when both play, both support the attack from defense very well. Plus, Aurelio is one of the best crossers in the team, and if Crouch does start, I'd hope Fabio is there to whip them in from the left. Also, Arbeloa's quicker than Finnan, which could be necessary if Gerrard does play on the right, as he can be drawn out of position if playing in a freer role, and Liverpool has to be wary of Besiktas (especially Bobo) on the counter.

I'll be blunt. Failure to win tomorrow means Liverpool will not qualify for the knockout rounds. Even with a win, Liverpool will still need help from the Marseille/Porto game, but first things first.

The team will want revenge for the loss in Turkey. They'll know they need to win the next three Champions League games to even have a shot at progressing. And playing at Anfield will be far different than playing in Istanbul; the Besiktas fans were assuredly a big help in the last match.

We've heard enough platitudes since the 2-1 loss. Let's just see the improvement in Liverpool's European performances.

Liverpool 1-2 Besiktas

Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Pennant Gerrard Mascherano Babel
Kuyt Voronin

Goals
Hyypia (og) 13’
Bobo 82’
Gerrard 85’

Not happy.

Par for the course for Liverpool’s European campaign so far this season, and a new low at the same time. Falling behind to a “fluke” goal, sloppy and rushed passing, and an inability to take the few chances they got. Déjà vu all over again. For the last three seasons, Liverpool’s been near unbeatable in the Champions League. This year, they’ve put in some of the worst performances in recent memory and can’t buy a win.

Hyypia registered his second own goal in as many games in the 13th minute, and it was even odder than the one at Goodison. Carragher had made an excellent tackle on Bobo only to see his clearance deflect off Finnan’s shins back to Bobo, who slotted it to Serdar Ozkan. Ozkan’s shot looked as if it was going wide (as Andy Gray took great pains to point out), only to have it deflect of Hyypia’s leg, leaving Reina wrong-footed.

It was the same story as the Marseille match for the next 70 minutes. Liverpool was nowhere near their best, or even equal to their performances in the Premier League, and they struggled to assert any dominance or even look a cohesive unit. A small solace is that the effort was better, but that was about it.

There were chances in both the first and second halves, most notably through Gerrard (a volley wide and the keeper claiming with Gerrard running into the box twice -- and he did play better), but few were excellent opportunities.

Meanwhile, Besiktas earned opportunities of their own on the counter attack. After Besiktas took the lead, Bobo played as a lone striker for much of the game, but Liverpool’s defense never looked solid with the team stretched in search of an equalizer. In the 82nd minute, Besiktas, who hadn’t scored a goal in two previous group games, got their second. Following a couple of lovely long passes, Bobo got by Hyypia, and got the ball past Reina, who had come out to try and cut down the angle.

Gerrard pulled back a consolation and got his deserved goal in the 85th minute with a diving header, but despite increased pressure and four minutes of stoppage time, Liverpool couldn’t make up the deficit they gifted the opposition.

Credit to Besiktas; the team defended well once they got ahead, won much of the play in the air, and kept Liverpool from establishing any semblance of stability. After 90 minutes, they were the deserved winners. The Inonu was an absolute cauldron of noise, and the only time the fans were silent was for about a minute following the goal.

I don’t know how to explain Liverpool’s problems in the Champions League. We know that the team misses Alonso and Agger, and the biggest effect today was the rushed quality of play, while both those players are calm on the ball. You can’t fault Liverpool’s effort, but little came off and Besiktas made it difficult. In addition, for some reason, despite the fact that those two are two of Liverpool's best long passers, the team seems more reliant on long balls than ever.

But there’s more to it. No offense to Besiktas, but this Liverpool team should be able to triumph. No matter who’s injured, or that it’s away from home and a cauldron of noise, or the fluke goal.

At this point, I’m almost ready to throw my hands up and hope this Champions League campaign is an aberration. The only way that Liverpool’s going to qualify is if they win their last three games and other results go their way, which they didn’t today with Marseille and Porto drawing 1-1. Marseille’s on 7, Porto 5, and Besiktas 3, with Liverpool earning 1 point from 3 games.

The team is not playing well. There’s little point in singling out players; I saw every player on the pitch give away the ball cheaply, make poor passes, run down blind alleys, etc. And while I’m surprised Crouch didn’t start, I don’t know how much difference it would have made, with Besiktas so dominant in the air and Liverpool having such trouble getting crosses in from the wing. Otherwise, the team selection wasn’t that surprising.

And it’s not rotation, with only two changes (Pennant for Sissoko and Babel for Benayoun) from Saturday’s team. But Benitez is going to come under some stick, and rightfully so, because Liverpool looked tactically inept at times trying to break down the 10 men behind the ball.

One thing’s for sure, Liverpool cannot play like this on Sunday. This team is crying out for an excellent performance, much like the one at the end of March last season.

Liverpool at Besiktas 10.24.07

2:45pm EST on Setanta

Besiktas is currently 3rd in the Turkish Super League. They beat Sheriff Tiraspol in the 2nd qualifying round and FC Zurich in the 3rd qualifying round to reach the group stage.

Group Stage:
Liverpool: 0-1 Marseille (h); 1-1 Porto (a)
Besiktas: 0-1 Porto (h); 0-2 Marseille (a)

Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 Everton (a) 2-2 Spurs (h); 0-0 Brum (h)
Besiktas: 3-2 Trabzonspor (a), 1-0 Genclerbirligi (h); 0-1 Porto (h)

Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Kuyt 3; Crouch, Hyypia, Voronin 1
Besiktas: Delgado 3; Bobo 2; Koray Avci, Toraman 1

Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)

Guess at a squad
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Pennant Gerrard Mascherano Benayoun
Crouch Kuyt

Torres, Agger, and Arbeloa didn’t travel due to injuries (nor did Aurelio), but Alonso is back in the squad. I still don’t necessarily think he’ll start though. I’m fully aware how important Xabi is to the team, but he’s been out for about a month, and there is the small matter of the Arsenal game on Sunday.

It’s tempting to think Lucas could start in his place based off of Saturday’s performance, and he is in the squad, but the bench is probably where he’ll stay for the time being. I do feel the need to reiterate that was more than impressed with him in the last match.

Even if Torres was fit, I still would have guessed Crouch to start. I know he’s come under a fair bit of stick, including from yours truly, as he hasn’t been at his best this season. But it’s an away game, it’s in Europe, and I doubt Besiktas’ defenders have come up against a striker like him often. If Crouch doesn’t play in a game like this, he’s not going to see much action at all. And the Kuyt/Crouch partnership had it moments last year, as well as against Toulouse at Anfield this season.

Admittedly, I know next to nothing about Besiktas’s squad, other than striker Bobo and midfielder Matias Delgado (who’s been compared to Aimar) can pop up with goals. Fans of Besiktas, in the Spyin’ Kop on RAWK (which can be incredibly helpful before a match like this), believe that the team will play narrow and compact in the midfield.

Having both Pennant and Benayoun on the field, with Riise charging up from defense, and Babel on the bench if needed, would ideally be able to exploit space on the flanks if the midfield is congested. But I truly believe tomorrow’s personnel depends more on how Benitez wants Liverpool to line up on Sunday.

Liverpool’s two group games so far have been abysmal by the standards set over the last three seasons. For all the talk about how the league is far more important this season (which it is), the Champions League is essential to both the financial health of the club and the morale of the team. And the last thing Liverpool needs is to finish third in the group and settle for a UEFA Cup run; 4th place in the group is almost preferable.

The draw at Porto was one thing. But the loss to Marseille at home means Liverpool needs to pick up all three points in Istanbul, which is never an easy place to go. Benitez has been quoted as saying 10 points is the bare minimum for qualification, which means that Liverpool needs at least 9 points from 4 games.

Also, and most importantly in my mind (despite the last two paragraphs), Liverpool needs to keep up the momentum following Saturday’s match into Sunday, at Anfield, against league-leading Arsenal.