Fenerbahce striker Dirk Kuyt believes that Liverpool will start as favourites against Besiktas tonight, though he warned the Reds of the dangers posed by the Turkish outfit.
Kuyt spent six years with the Reds from 2006 until 2012 before he moved to Turkish giants Fenerbahce. During his stay at Anfield the Dutchman scored 71 goals and assisted a further 40 in over 250 appearances.
Liverpool start the second leg of their round of 32 Europa League tie against Besiktas at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in an advantageous position after securing a 1-0 win in the first leg.
Having spent two years in Turkey, Kuyt believes that the Besiktas supporters will make it difficult for the visitors and their team will give Brendan Rodgers’ side a tough fight tonight.
“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”, Kuyt told the Liverpool site.
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However, he has tipped his former team to emerge as victors and secure their passage to the Europa League round of 16.
“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.”
Well versed with the Istanbul outfit as a consequence of his current employers Fenerbahce being from the same city, Kuyt has advised the Merseyside giants to be wary of Besiktas’ attacks especially from their wing-backs.
“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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