Demba Ba expecting difficult Liverpool tie

Besiktas striker Demba Ba is anticipating a difficult Europa League tie with Liverpool – despite acknowledging that the Reds are struggling this campaign.

The Turkish side were matched alongside Brendan Rodgers's charges in Monday's draw, and the former Chelsea forward admitted that the last-32 tie will be a tough one.

"It's a difficult pairing. Liverpool are having some hard times now," he told UEFA's official website. "They couldn't get the results they desired and things are not going well for them. Hard games are ahead of us.

"They are a team which try to strike fast and build up the game as quickly as possible. Their technical capacity is high and they are physically strong.

"If we can snatch a good result in the first leg, it will be an advantage to be playing the second leg at home."

Liverpool dropped into the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group.