Prediction: Copenhagen vs Istanbul Basaksehir

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: Betfair

Domestic football may be in short supply during the month of August but in its place, we’ll see the return of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. The two blockbuster competitions will be transformed into a straight knockout tournament, filling the void that has been left by the absence of UEFA Euro 2020 this summer. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at what should be an intriguing round of 16 meeting in the UEL between FC Copenhagen and Istanbul Basaksehir.

FC Copenhagen

Domestically speaking, Copenhagen really haven’t covered themselves in glory during the month of July. They suffered back-to-back losses at the hands of AGF Aarhus and title rivals Midtjylland, and while they did secure a point against Brondby, they once again lost to AGF Aarhus – this time by an even worse scoreline of 4-2. They did improve to end the season, though, narrowly beating Aalborg and Nordsjaelland.

Team News

The only big absence heading into this game for Copenhagen will be Michael Santos after he was booked early in the first leg. N’Doye is being tipped to make his debut alongside Daramy.

Istanbul Basaksehir

For the first time in their history, Istanbul Basaksehir won the Turkish Super Lig this season – even though they had a few stumbles to see them over the finish line. They drew 1-1 with Galatasaray before bouncing back with nice wins over Antalyaspor and Denizlispor, but they fell to a dramatic 4-3 loss against Konyaspor. Alas, they didn’t have to worry all too much at this stage, and they finished things off with a win over Kayserispor and a defeat against Kasimpasaspor.

Team News

While they may not have all too much momentum heading into this second leg tie, one thing that Basaksehir fans will be happy about is their clean bill of health. The expectation is that they could name the same starting XI that picked up the win in the first leg, which should immediately give them the psychological advantage they need as they prepare for their trip to Denmark.

Factors to Consider

• Basaksehir hold a 1-0 lead after beating Copenhagen in the first leg.
• Copenhagen have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Basaksehir have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Copenhagen have scored six goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Basaksehir have scored 11 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

Both teams are well aware of the opportunity that lies ahead of them if they can win this game, and while that would usually lead to a pretty reserved encounter, we think this one is going to be pretty entertaining. Neither side is particularly strong at the back and they both have danger men going forward, which should lead to a back and forth showdown. We feel like Istanbul will be able to hold on for the draw on the night, edging their way into the last eight on aggregate.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: Betfair