Prediction: Manchester United to win 2-1
Best Odds: 13/2
Bookmaker: Betfair
Istanbul Basaksehir will lock horns with Manchester United at home in the Champions League this week. The match is slated to kick off at 5:55pm UK time on Wednesday at 3.Istanbul Basaksehir Fatih Terim, and it could be a cracker.
Istanbul Basaksehir
Istanbul Basaksehir are playing in the Champions League group stage for the first time in history. Okan Buruk’s side stunned everyone in Turkey last season by winning the Turkish Super Big, but they have not fared well in Europe’s premier club competition so far this season. Basaksehir kicked off their 2020-21 Champions League campaign with a 2-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in Germany and then lost to French giants Paris Saint-Germain at home in Turkey last week.
Basaksehir are the clear underdogs in Group H, and one suspects that they know that. With Manchester United, PSG and Leipzig fighting for the top two places in the group, there is a very good chance that the defending Turkish club will end up at the bottom. What Basaksehir will be determined to do is not finish the group stage with zero points and will keen on picking up a point at least against United at home on Wednesday evening.
Team news
Rafael started for Basaksehir in their Turkish Super Lig game against Konyaspor at the weekend and could be included in the starting lineup against his former club on Wednesday evening. Former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel could start as well, and so could full-back Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, currently on loan from Celtic.
Manchester United
Manchester United are struggling in the Premier League at the moment, but the Red Devils are on song in the Champions League. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have won both of their Group H games so far this season, and will know that a win in Turkey on Wednesday will enhance their chances of progressing to the knockout stages from a very tricky group.
United kicked off their Group H campaign with a 2-1 victory over PSG in France before hammering RB Leipzig 5-0 at Old Trafford last week in a match where England international forward Marcus Rashford scored a hat-trick. However, the Red Devils slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at home in the Premier League at the weekend. Solskjaer’s team will be determined to bounce back and return to winning ways in midweek.
Team news
Attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard has not travelled to Turkey with the United squad, while Alex Telles is still out after testing positive for coronavirus. Central defender Eric Bailly will not play either.
Key Factors to Consider
- Istanbul Basaksehir have played against English opposition just once (Burnley)
Manchester United have lost their last two away games against Turkish clubs.
Basaksehir have won four of their last 13 matches in all competitions.
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has scored 49 goals in UEFA club competitions.
Manchester United have played in Turkey eight times before.
Conclusion
Istanbul Basaksehir will have home advantage, and an early goal could make things very tricky for United. However, given the quality of the Red Devils’ squad in comparison to their hosts, it is hard to see the Premier League giants slip up and drop even a point. An away victory is the most likely outcome in this match.
Prediction: Manchester United to win 2-1
Best Odds: 13/2
Bookmaker: Betfair
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