Thommo backs Reds to progress

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Liverpool legend Phil Thompson is tipping his former club to make Tuesday night's must-win clash with Basel a turning point in their season.

The Reds will qualify for the Champions League knockout stages if they successfully avenge the 1-0 defeat suffered at St. Jakob-Park at the start of October.

However, Thompson, who won the European Cup three times during his 13-year spell at Anfield, is wary that the Swiss champions will be well set up to expose the vulnerabilities of his former club, who have won just three of their last 11 games in all competitions.

The Soccer Saturday pundit said: "I think we will have enough. It's going to be a nervy night but European nights at Anfield are just magnificent if you tap into it.

"It could absolutely be a turning point but it is so important how we play. We can’t just go gung ho, we need the intensity going forward but the attacking side of our game has to be balanced with discipline at the back.

"Basel enjoy the underdogs tag - that’s the nature of them home or away and it works for them against Premier League sides.

"They’re well versed, sitting back, staying patient and hitting you on the break.

"It’s going to be tough to watch, especially set pieces which we're vulnerable at and they will know that and look to exploit it."

Thompson is backing Liverpool to scrape through 2-1 at odds of 15/2 with Sky Bet with Steven Gerrard netting the opener.