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It's difficult to escape the feeling that Hearts have already missed their opportunity in this tie. The SPL outfit had some good spells against a weakened Liverpool side at Tynecastle last week, but couldn't find a way past keeper Pepe Reina. A late own-goal from Andy Webster gave Liverpool a 1-0 win, and the Reds are firm favourites to progress to the group stage.

Hearts followed that defeat up with a disappointing goalless draw at Aberdeen at the weekend, a game that saw the Jambos muster just one shot on target in the whole 90 minutes. Hearts keeper Jamie MacDonald says his teammates have belief that they can pull off a shock at Anfield, but the market disagrees.

Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday indicates they are heading in the right direction under Brendan Rodgers, although the horrendous Martin Skrtel error that gifted City an equaliser shows there are still a few teething troubles. Rodgers will however be encouraged by his side's performances so far in the Europa League - three games, three wins, three clean sheets.

Liverpool will once again shuffle their pack ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal, but regardless of the personnel involved, I expect Rodgers' team to dominate possession. It will be tough for Hearts to carve out chances if they are starved of the ball, and I suspect they will have to rely on nicking a goal from a set-piece. Value bets are tough to find with the market slanted so heavily in Liverpool's favour, but I like the look of the 1.87 on offer for Liverpool to Win to Nil, especially as they are yet to concede a goal in this competition.

Recommended Bet: Back Liverpool to Win to Nil at 1.87

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