Liverpool backed for Champions League progression

They may have lost their last Champions League game against Besiktas and be rocked by the recent fallout between manager and star player but punters continue to back Liverpool to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Rafa Benitez's side crashed 2-1 to Besiktas in Turkey and the result sees them bottom of their qualifying group and in all liklihood having to win their three remaining fixtures in Europe. William Hill offer 13/8 that the Reds still qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions league and 15/8 that they go on to win their last three remaining fixtures. Wins in their last three matches - at home to Besiktas and Porto and away to Marseille - would almost certainly take Liverpool through, although it is possible that two wins and a draw would be enough. Doubts remain over Benitez's rotation policy when picking his side but following the Champions League defeat in Turkey he received the full backing of one of the club's American owners. We back Rafa - he's the right manager," said Tom Hicks. "Rafa's rotation has been his policy for three years - his ability to coach and manage in the Champions League should be unquestioned." Hill's odds suggest that Liverpool's recent form is a blip and Liverpool are 1/5 to finish in the top four of the Premier League and 10/3 to finish fifth or worse. However they might have to do so without 6ft 7in striker Peter Crocuh who has been linked with a move away from Anfield and is offered at 6/4 to leave Liverpool in January. "The Champions league without Liverpool is like Christmas without Santa and the 15/8 for Liverpool to win their remaining group fixtures proved popular on Merseyside," said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams. With the exception of Liverpool and Celtic, British teams had a good week and Hill's are 11/8 that a British team wins and 9/2 for a British final. William Hill latest odds Liverpool to qualify for knockout stages: 4/9 No 13/8 Yes How many of their remaining Group Champions League Games will Liverpool win?: 1/1 Two, 15/8 Three, 11/4 One, 20/1 None Liverpool to finish outside Premier League top four: 1/5 Inside top four, 10/3 Fifth or worse Crouch to be a Liverpool player 1st Feb 08: 1/2 Yes; 6/4 No British teams: 11/8 British Winner; 9/2 All British Final British Team To Go Furthest: 15/8 Man Utd, 2/1 Arsenal, 5/2 Chelsea, 8/1 Liverpool, 16/1 Rangers, 25/1 Celtic.