Gerrard to boost Liverpool's Champions League challenge

Liverpool may have slightly lost their way in the Champions League but they will avenge last month's defeat to Besiktas with a win at Anfield on Tuesday night. Last season's Champions League final must seem a long time ago now for Rafa Benitez, who has already seen his side beaten twice in three Champions League group matches, leaving them last in Group A with just one point to their name. In an indifferent few weeks the Reds have scraped just two narrow wins in seven matches. Nonetheless, Liverpool can right the ship against Besiktas after having shown new-found vital signs in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal and their unfortunate 0-0 draw at Blackburn, whom they completely dominated on Saturday. The Turks were beaten by Fenerbahce at the weekend and without Rodrigo Tello, Mario Nobre and Gokhan Zan will be there for the taking. Back in form Steven Gerrard, who has scored three goals in four matches, will steer his side to a home win, with the England midfielder 11/2 to open the scoring with SportingBet. Chelsea will also rise to the occasion in Germany on Tuesday as they take on a struggling FC Schalke 04 side in their Champions league tie. The Bundesliga outfit have mustered just one win in six and had the dubious honour of becoming the first side to lose to Bundesliga bottom side Energie Cottbus on Friday. With striker Kevin Kuranyi doubtful for the Germans this is definitely the right time for in-form Chelsea to take them on, the Blues having recovered their stride with a remarkable seven wins on the bounce, including a 2-0 win against Schalke in their Champions League home tie . At 7/4 Werder Bremen are superbly priced to come away from Rome with another win against Lazio, who are enduring a torrid start to the season. Delio Rossi's side slumped to their fourth straight Stadio Olimpico defeat on Saturday night and morale will be low at home, where they have eeked out just one home win all season. Bremen may have lost twice already in the Champions League but their form is on the upward curve after five wins in six, including the 2-1 defeat of Tuesday night's rivals. Take Liverpool, Chelsea and Werder Bremen in a treble with SportingBet at just over 6/1. Verdict: 2pt treble on Liverpool, Chelsea and Werder Bremen @ 6.22/1 (SportingBet); 1pt Steve Gerrard first goalscorer @ 11/2 (SportingBet)