Liverpool’s game with Basel is live on ITV for UK viewers and with good reason – this game could be a real thriller. Liverpool need to win to qualify for the final 16 of the Champions League whilst their Swiss opponents know that a draw will send them through to the next phase along with Group B winners Real Madrid. Basel play some neat, attacking football, whilst the Reds may be starting to find their feet a little after an awful start to the campaign.
It will be interesting to see how the away side approach the game but the fact they can afford to draw should suit them nicely as they like to play on the counter, whilst they will offer Raheem Sterling little space if they choose to sit back.
The reverse fixture finished 1-0 to Basel thanks to a Marco Streller goal just after half time but the Swiss could have won more easily and Brendan Rodgers will know his side have a real task on their hands. The Kop outfit have won their last two games to climb into the top half of the Premier League but wins over Stoke and Leicester (neither of which were – by any stretch of the imagination – wholly convincing) are one thing, whilst producing the goods in a crucial Champions League decider is another.
There is a lot of pressure on the home team and their manager and a win here would do wonders for the club. Liverpool are strong favourites to take the win and prolong their Champions League involvement, priced at odds of 8/11 with Bet365 here, whilst the draw can be backed at 14/5 with BetVictor and those betting on an away win should head to Sky Bet, who offer a tempting 9/2.
Much may depend on how the away side handle the first 15 minutes or so, as Anfield can be an intimidating cauldron of emotion on these big European nights. You’ll Never Walk Alone will ring out before kick off and if the home side can start quickly they may just blow Basel away, although in truth they are yet to produce anything this season approaching what is required here.
Liverpool v Basel Betting Tips
- Basel +0.5 – Liverpool may have won two games in a row but their opponents here are a cut above the likes of Leicester and the away side should just about have enough to qualify. Back them in the Asian handicap +0.5 at nice odds of 11/9 with BetVictor.
- Both teams to score – Liverpool’s defence is just not up to scratch and the pressure on their keeper isn’t helping either. Backing BTTS looks a safe bet here, with Liverpool knowing they have to win, which could create chances at both ends. Odds of 4/5 with Ladbrokes look more than fair to us in a game we could see ending 1-1.