Saturday, February 15, 2025

Prediction: Twente vs Besiktas – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what is a real must-win Europa League showdown on Thursday night, Besiktas will travel to Enschede when they meet Twente.

Twente

Starting with the hosts, eventually clinging to what was a dramatic 3-2 victory away at Malmo last week, Twente know that they must produce a similar gutsy performance here. Getting their Europa League group stage finale underway on Thursday night sat two points adrift of breaking into the play-off places, Joseph Oosting’s men almost face a season-defining showdown here. While the Tukkers might have clinched a bronze medal finish among Holland’s elite last season, the former Vitesse coach has been concerned by his side’s inconsistencies this time around. Despite marking their return from the festive interval with a 6-2 romp against Willem II, Twente have recorded consecutive victories across any competition on just a single occasion since returning from November’s international break. However, despite still seeking some much-welcomed stability, Thursday’s hosts have won their previous three showdowns in Enschede by an aggregate score of 11-4.

Twente Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Twente will once again be without the duo of Mees Hilgers and Moroccan youngster Younes Taha on Thursday night. Missing out away at Malmo last week, former rangers striker Sam Lammers remains a major doubt here.

Notching a first Europa League strike of the season in Sweden last week, one-time Nrowch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel will lead the line. Continuing to receive a string of plaudits this season and reportedly attracting plenty of European interest, 23-year-old Sem Steijn will play a leading role.

Besiktas

As for the visitors, while some might have been shocked earlier in the month following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment in Istanbul, the former Manchester United boss couldn’t have got his tenure underway with a more dominant display. Making a real statement last week as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp against Athletic Bilbao, the Turkish outfit are enjoying what has become an extended flurry. Dragging themselves back into the play-off places, Besiktas are unbeaten in each of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. However, despite opening Thursday’s showdown sat in the driving seat, Solskjaer’s new squad have shown some extended issues on the road. Including a 2-1 loss against Bodo/Glimt on December 12th, Besiktas have claimed just a sole win from any of their last eight matchups outside of Istanbul.

Besiktas Team News

Not featuring since the end of November and still dealing with a muscle injury, Besiktas will once again be without former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista. Likewise, midfield veteran Necip Uysal is still sidelined with a long-term knee issue.

While ex-Lazio talisman Ciro Immobile might have recorded just a single strike across any competition since December 2nd, the 34-year-old will spearhead Besiktas’ charge. One-time Tottenham loanee Gedson Fernandes will start in the middle of the park.

Twente vs Besiktas Key Factors to Consider

    • Despite their recent inconsistencies, Twente have won their last three straight home fixtures by an aggregate score of 11-4.
    • Besiktas are unbeaten in all of their last seven appearances across all competitions.
    • However, Thursday’s guests have recorded just a single win from any of their previous eight matchups outside of Istanbul.
    • Five of Twente’s last six appearances across all competitions has finished with both teams finding the net.
    • Likewise, all of Besiktas’ last four Europa League appearances have finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

    Conclusion

    In what is a must-win Europa League showdown on Thursday night, we could be set for a thriller in Enschede. While Besiktas might have stormed their way to a sensational 4-1 romp against Athletic Bilbao last week, the Turkish giants have continued to show some extended issues outside of Istanbul. Two camps who have gained a reputation for their frantic affairs, chances could come thick and fast here. With Besiktas seeing each of their last four Europa League showdowns finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome in midweek.

    Verdict: Both teams to score

    Best Odds: 8/13

    Bookmaker: Luckster

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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