Will Besiktas break the cycle of losing all home games in European competitions or will Eintracht Frankfurt keep them waiting?
Round 1 was an experience both sides will want to forget as they conceded a combined seven goals. Besiktas' trip to Amsterdam ended with four in their basket while the Eagles somehow let Plzen score three goals on their home ground.
The 4-0 defeat to Ajax can't and shouldn't be a factor in our analysis this week as the Sons of the Gods are on a different level this year. In reality, Besiktas are in brilliant shape and haven't lost another match since the start of the season.
The Black Eagles are undefeated in Turkey and scored eight past Lugano to qualify for the League Phase here. Their previous experience in Europe wasn't positive and Besiktas lost all three of their home fixtures in the ECL last year.
They've been a completely different animal since Giovanni van Bronckhorst took the wheel in the summer and there is a chance, albeit a small one, to shock Eintracht on Thursday.
Speaking about the Eagles, Eintracht Frankfurt enter this contest unbeaten in five games in a row. Last week's upset against Plzen was surprising to say the least, but the Germans came out with a different squad to normal, arguably underestimating the Czech side.
How the bookies view it: Odds in the center
Besiktas' positive form definitely influenced the odds as bookmakers found it hard to name an outright favourite. Betano gave Besiktas 23/14 to win and Eintracht 3/2, which is a minimal difference. Alternatively, the draw is priced at 37/14.
Recent head to head: The Black Eagles vs the Eagles
Besiktas have faced plenty of German teams but this will be their debut against Eintracht Frankfurt. This is a positive for the Black Eagles as their experience with the usual suspects (Dortmund, Bayern Munich) has been nothing short of terrible.
Players to watch: Marmoush can't stop scoring
Dino Toppmoller has been making rotations for almost every match this season but one man hasn't missed a single match and rightfully so. Omar Marmoush has been a monster in the final third, scoring six goals and providing five assists in seven games for Eintracht this season. The Egyptian will start against Besiktas too and we will see his name next to a goal again.
Probable line-ups
Besiktas: Gunok, Udokhai, Topcu, Mario, Paulista, Rafa, Fernandes, Rashica, Muci, Immobile, Ndour
Eintracht Frankfurt: Santos, Kristensen, Koch, Amenda, Theate, Larsson, Tuta, Chaibi, Ebimbe, Marmoush, Matanovic
Anything else catch the eye?
Besiktas' last home win in Europe came almost five years ago when they beat Slovan Bratislava in the Europa League group stage. Since then, Besiktas only appeared in Europe twice and lost all six fixtures in Turkey.
Additionally, they lost the last four games against German sides while managing to concede a whopping 15 goals. Their current form is impressive but Eintracht will have the upper hand.
Given that the Eagles struggle defensively and allow too many chances, Besiktas will score at least one goal on Thursday but still end up losing the match.
This UEFA Europa League match between Besiktas and Eintracht Frankfurt will be played on Oct 3, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Besiktas vs Eintracht Frankfurt prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
