Besiktas host Bodo/Glimt in a Europa Conference League fixture on Thursday as they seek their first win in Group D. Both teams have shown some defensive vulnerability in recent weeks and could be set to serve in goals here.
Things have been difficult for Besiktas in the Europa Conference League this season as they appear on the verge of elimination, sitting bottom of Group D. They have lost their last two matches in the competition and were beaten 3-1 in the first meeting with Bodo Glimt.
Besiktas are not just struggling in the Conference League as it has been an overall tricky start to the season so far. They head into Thursday’s clash with three defeats in their last five matches across all competitions and were beaten 3-2 by Antalyaspor in a Super Lig fixture last weekend.
It is not all doom and gloom for Besiktas as they often do well at home, winning six of their last seven matches at Tupras Stadium. However, defending remains a problem as they have conceded seven goals in just three Europa Conference League matches.
Bodo/Glimt claimed their first win in this season’s Europa Conference League last time out as they triumphed 3-0 in the reverse fixture with Besiktas. They raced to a three-goal lead through Albert Gronbaek, Faris Moumbagna and Ulrik Saltnes before conceding an injury time consolation.
That result highlights Bodo/Glimt’s recent good form as they have won eight of their last nine matches across all competitions. The Norwegians picked up a 4-0 victory at Stabaek in a domestic fixture last weekend with Saltnes on target once again.
One similarity between Bodo/Glimt and Besiktas is that the Norwegian giants have also struggled to maintain their discipline at the back. Kjetil Knutsen’s men have kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches across all competitions.
How the bookies view it
Besiktas have the upper hand among the bookies with a home win priced at 6/5 by 10bet. A victory for Bodo/Glimt is valued at 21/10 by Paddy Power while BetVictor is offering odds of 13/5 for a draw.
Head to head
There have been only two matches between Besiktas and Bodo/Glimt prior to last week’s reverse fixture. Both teams met during the 2003-04 Europa League with the Turks playing out a 1-1 draw in Norway before picking up a 1-0 victory at home.
Players to watch
Vincent Aboubakar often leads the line for Besiktas and will be the one to watch on Thursday. The striker has four goals in his last four home matches and is priced at 7/5 by bet365 to get on the score sheet.
Bodo/Glimt have a prolific Cameroonian of their own with Faris Moumbagna catching the eye in recent weeks. The striker has found the net three times in his last four matches and is priced at 23/10 by Paddy Power to maintain his scoring run.
Anything else catch the eye?
Besiktas and Bodo/Glimt are often unconvincing at the back and having produced over 3.5 goals in the reverse fixture, a similar outcome could be considered at 13/10 with BetVictor. Both teams were on target in the second half in that meeting and a repeat is priced at 6/4 by William Hill.
The Turks have scored in both halves in two of their last three home matches Thursday’s clash could be set for a similar pattern at 17/10 with BoyleSports.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Besiktas and Bodo/Glimt will be played on Nov 9, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Besiktas vs Bodo/Glimt prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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