Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker:
With a Europa League group stage ticket hanging in the balance on Thursday night, Besiktas will welcome Lugano to Istanbul.
Besiktas
Starting with the hosts, while Besiktas might have suffered a second-half collapse over in Switzerland last week as they eventually had to settle for a thrilling 3-3 stalemate, the Black Eagles are pencilled in as a standout contender here. Crowned Turkish Super Cup winners on August 3rd as they stormed their way to a famous 5-0 romp against bitter domestic rivals Galatasaray, new boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be relishing a return to Istanbul in midweek. Opening the 2024/25 campaign with a real flurry as they secured back-to-back Super Lig victories, Besiktas have also gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. With their early purple patch underlined by an action-packed 4-2 win against Antalyaspor earlier in the month, Thursday’s hosts have notched 14 goals in their first four competitive appearances across all competitions.
Team News
Both still dealing with respective issues continuing on from last season, Besiktas will once again be without the duo of Arda Kilic and former Leicester defender Daniel Amartey on Thursday night. While 20-year-old Emrecan Terzi might have returned to van Bronckhorst’s squad last week, the Turkish international will settle for a spot on the bench here.
Notching four goals in as many appearances after arriving from Italian giants Lazio this summer, Ciro Immobile will spearhead Besiktas’ charge in midweek. Former Benfica ace Rafa Silva will join Immobile in the final third after completing a permanent switch from Benfica last month.
Lugano
As for the visitors, mounting a dramatic second-half comeback at the Cornaredo Stadium last week, Lugano will be desperate to spring a heavyweight upset here. However, although the Bianconeri might have snatched a silver medal finish among Switzerland’s elite last season, they have largely struggled to find much stability this time around. Last seen in Super League action slumping to a shock 3-2 defeat at home against Luzern, Mattia Croci-Torti’s men have managed to win just one of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Facing what appears to be a real challenge when they travel over to Istanbul on Thursday night, Lugano have shown some extended defensive issues. In fact, continuing on from last season, the midweek guests have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 14 outings.
Team News
Forced to miss out in Switzerland last week after serving a suspension, Lugano will welcome Albian Hajdari back to their squad on Thursday night. Making a brief first-leg cameo appearance at the Cornaredo Stadium, midfield veteran Mattia Bottani could make a full return here.
Now finding the net in back-to-back appearances and also recording three goals in his last four outings, former Wolfsburg striker Renato Steffen will play a leading role in the final third. Arriving from German giants Borussia Dortmund this summer, 24-year-old Antonios Papadopoulos will start at the heart of Lugano’s defence.
Key Factors to Consider
