Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir
UEFA Champions League, KO: 20:00 Nov 24, 2020, Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED will be on a revenge mission when Istanbul Basaksehir come calling on Matchday Four of the Champions League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men crashed to a shock 2-1 defeat in Turkey (below) on their last Group H outing, busting the coupon of our man Slips Tips who understandably fancied United to win after their victories over PSG and Leipzig.
That result summed up their inconsistency, with the Red Devils looking slick in some games and totally clueless in others. They were far from convincing at the weekend against West Brom at Old Trafford, with only VAR saving United from spilling even more points at home.
But some of United's best performances have come in the Champions League and Solksjaer knows a victory over Basaksehir would see his side put one foot in the last 16.
The Turks lost 3-2 at Besiktas on Saturday but their form was decent before that, losing only to PSG and Leipzig in an eight-game run. So Basaksehir have the firepower to stun the Old Trafford men again if United defend as poorly as they did in Istanbul.
How the bookies view it
Despite their win last time out, Basaksehir are rank outsiders here and are as big as 13/1 with 888Sport. That could come back to haunt the bookies if United play like they did against the Baggies at the weekend. United offer no value at a best 27/100 at Novibet while the stalemate is 11/2 with most firms.
Team news
Paul Pogba (below) was missing for United at the weekend with an ankle knock but Solskjaer hopes the Frenchman will be fit to face Basaksehir. Luke Shaw, Eric Bailly and Mason Greenwood are still injured but Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof shook off knocks to face WBA.
Midfielder Mehmet Topal is suspended for Basaksehir and they also look set to be without Júnior Caiçara, Muhammed Sengezer, Mert Günok and Danijel Aleksic.
Players to watch
Edinson Cavani is pushing for a start after some impressive cameos off the bench and leads the anytime scorer market at 21/20 with BetVictor. But that's not great value so I'm going for Bruno Fernandes at 8/5 with Paddy Power given United's handy habit of winning penalties.
Demba Ba caused United problems in Turkey, especially when they left him totally unmarked with a free run on goal, and the former Chelsea star looks Basaksehir's best option for a goal at 17/4 with 888Sport.
Anything else catch the eye?
My bet of over 2.5 goals came up in United's last home Champions League match against Leipzig but since then Solksjaer's men have scored just once in two matches at Old Trafford. Under 2.5 goals pays 8/5 at Sport Nation for this one and that's tempting while I will also bet against both teams scoring at 9/10 with BetVictor.
Backing Basaksehir in the handicaps could pay off and I'm drawn to the 11/10 on offer at 888Sport for the Turks to win with a two-goal start.
The ref only flashed two cards when these sides faced off in Turkey so I like the look of the 4/5 on offer at Bet365 for under 4.5 cards in the return.
This UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and Istanbul Basaksehir will be played on Nov 24, 2020 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
