v Besiktas AWAY build up

[topscorer]

With Toure in the back 3 I'm a little concerned about us being stretched on the counter.

Moreno will need to be conscious of his defensive duties tonight.

I hope Lovren can keep it together.

If Rodgers wanted to keep the same back 3 as Southampton to we have ANYONE that can play midfield with Allen?

How ironic that so many of us joke about Rodgers collecting midfield players and we find ourselves in this situation!

[topscorer]

In fact, no. I'm going with Mario as captain.

In a performance that will rock the very foundations of the club, he will give a tireless and inspired display culminating in a scissor kick from the half way line to cap off a 10-0 win.

LOL, I'll second that.

[topscorer]

Could we revert to diamond with Sturridge and Sterling the front 2? Lallana the tip and Can the back of the diamond. Skrtl and Toure centre backs. Moreno and Ibe left and right backs. Allen and someone else left and right of the diamond?

[The_weatherman]

Could we revert to diamond with Sturridge and Sterling the front 2? Lallana the tip and Can the back of the diamond. Skrtl and Toure centre backs. Moreno and Ibe left and right backs. Allen and someone else left and right of the diamond?

I think we'll stick to the system, Can and Allen are the obvious choices in midfield and Kolo has a good tournament in Africa playing in a similar system so it's only really Lovren to worry about, which I admit is enough to worry about, specially with him on the left next to Moreno, I think I'll quote a poster :eek:

[Norbs]

Kuyt: How Reds can win at the Ataturk

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, who always worked hard, 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]."

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."

Always worked hard

[Yozza]

Always worked hard

1st to notice!

[greenbloodred]

Theres a right nasty racist element among their fans and our line-up is gonna have a lot of targets Hopefully the lads will cope ok

[Fosterbloke]

I should go to sleep but I fear I will not wake up in time for the match!!

Perhaps just an hour and a bit then...

[BobTheCharmer]

Theres a right nasty racist element among their fans and our line-up is gonna have a lot of targets Hopefully the lads will cope ok

As long as they don't have guns we should be fine.

[Assassin]

What are the dream scores on the doors Bob

[Helios Creed]

Not an easy place to go and win let alone do it easily.

Arsenal and Spurs both played there this season (CL and EL) and neither managed a win.

they were saying that as it's not their own ground, the journey involved and early start might make for a less intimidating atmosphere than they are famous for ... hope so.

[Shaggy]

Their first sell out of the season apparently, and it's already noisy.