Group A
Kick-off: 19:45 (BST)
Besiktas and Liverpool face a must-win game in Istanbul, although home coach Ertugrul Saglam and his visiting counterpart Rafael Benitez remain confident their side can pick up three crucial points.
The home side have lost both their first two Group A games while Liverpool are third in the section with one point folllowing their shock home defeat to Marseille on Matchday 2.
“Football is open to all scores,” said Saglam, who will serve a one-match touchline ban following his dismissal against Porto and is without Ibrahim Akin (thigh) although Ricardinho is fit again having not played since Matchday 1 due to a knee injury.
“The two games against Liverpool will clarify our position in the group and we have to take at least three points from those matches. Therefore if we can achieve three points from this game, our hopes of reaching the first knockout round will be better.”
Sa?lam is vowing a positive approach as his side look to score their first goal in this year’s competition.
“We know we have to take care of our defensive responsibilities as well as attacking duties,” he said. “We have to remember the game lasts 90 minutes and should not confuse rushing with playing at pace and desire with anger. Liverpool will want to take three points but we know their deficiencies. I have confidence that my players can achieve victory.”
Liverpool, meanwhile, are unbeaten in the Premier League this season but are yet to take that form into the Champions League. Tonight they must make do without striker Fernando Torres, who is ruled out with a thigh injury.
Benitez admits his side is running out of time if they are to have an impact on this season’s competition.
“It is a very short competition and you have to perform well in every game,” he said. “Both sides want to win and we know the game will played in front of passionate supporters and against tough opponents.”
“I have some good memories in this city and I feel happy to be here,” said Benitez, whose Valencia side defeated Besiktas en route to victory in the 2004 UEFA Cup and who led Liverpool to their fifth Champions League triumph in this city in 2005.
“If we get the chance we will play at a high tempo. If we do our job well, there will be no problem.”
