Seltan — Besiktas: preview
We have the forecasts for the match between Seltan and Besiktas in the fourth round of the general phase of the 2026/27 Europa League.
Seltan is almost without room for error, while Besiktas seems more stable in Europe, but their recent results indicate that the visitors also have vulnerabilities.
Key moments
Seltan
1. European failures extend into the league
Seltan has accumulated several reasons for concern. In the Europa League the team lost to Ferencváros, Benfica and Celta, and in the domestic competition, after beating Hibernian 2:1, they drew 2:2 with Dundee United and lost 0:2 to Falkirk. In the end, Martin O’Neil’s side finished without points in the general phase and occupies the last position in the group. Another serious drop will complicate the fight to advance to the next phase.
2. Squad problems affect several lines
Martin O’Neil will have to part with several players. Alistair Johnston re‑injured the back of his thigh shortly after returning to the field and, according to Scottish press, will miss the match. Jan‑Hyun Joon is also not ready: he has not played since September due to a calf tendon injury, and is expected to resume training this week. Jota is gaining experience after his recovery, but is not included in the European competition squad.
3. Past mistakes can cost dearly
The three defeats at the start of the general phase left Seltan in 35th of 36 participants. In those matches the Scots conceded nine goals and now must risk their first win. But here lies the danger: Besiktas knows how to use open spaces and achieve results in open play. In particular, the Turkish club scored three goals against Hoffenheim away. Given the lack of defenders, an excess of attack can create new problems in their own goal.
Besiktas
1. Everything is much better in Europe
Besiktas arrives in Glasgow after drawing 2:2 with Kasımpaşa. Previously, the team beat Istanbul Başakşehir 2:0, drew 2:2 with Crystal Palace in the Europa League, lost 0:2 to Trabzonspor and won 3:2 against Hoffenheim away. In the European competition, the Turkish club has not lost yet: a draw and two wins gave them seven points and the first eighth place. However, the last result left an unpleasant feeling: Besiktas allowed Kasımpaşa to come back after a two‑goal advantage.
2. No captain, but alternatives
The biggest loss for the visitors is Orkun Kökçü. The captain is still recovering from an injury and will not return before the second half of November. Fabio Mirtti will also not play: the midfielder on loan from Juventus missed out due to a shoulder injury. Umit Akdag will miss the match due to suspension after a sending off in the game against Crystal Palace. Fortunately, Václav Černý has recovered from knee problems and played against Kasımpaşa. Ridwan Yılmaz and O‑Hyun Gyu are also ready for the match. The absence of Kökçü weakens the midfield, but Besiktas’s attacking group keeps several options for the starting lineup.
3. Familiar faces can ruin the hosts’ night
Besiktas has several players whose return to Seltan Park will be special. O‑Hyun Gyu played before at the Scottish club and can now appear in front of his former team as a main striker. For Besiktas he has already scored four goals in 18 matches. Václav Černý and Ridwan Yılmaz also know the Glasgow atmosphere from their performances with Rangers. But it is not just personal stories: the visitors’ European statistics confirm their offensive potential — five goals in three rounds, including three against Hoffenheim.
Possible lineups
4-2-3-14-1-4-126
Johnston5
Scales20
Carter‑Wickers63
Tirni51
Donovan42
McGregor22
Baure17
Tuneki8
Nyugen11
Duran9
Heg1
Neubel12
Agbadu53
Topçu62
Murillo33
Yılmaz4
Nidi18
Černý15
Olaytan6
Ozkan19
Trossard28
Vlahovic
Trend forecasts
In five of the last six matches of Seltan and six of the last eight of Besiktas both teams scored at least in one half.
Forecast: OZ in one half at 1.82.
In five of the last six matches of Seltan and six of the last eight of Besiktas at least three goals were scored.
Forecast: TB2.5 at 1.64.
Prediction
Seltan vs Besiktas 06.11.2026 00:00
Seltan needs a win, but the last weeks give no reason for optimism. Martin O’Neil’s team drew with Dundee United and lost to Falkirk, and in the Europa League they lost the first three matches. The nine goals conceded underline defensive problems, and squad losses aggravate them: Alistair Johnston and Jan‑Hyun Joon are not ready, and Jota is not included in the European squad. At the same time, the hosts will have to open up, and Besiktas knows how to use open spaces — the proof is the three goals against Hoffenheim away. The Turkish club has accumulated seven points in Europe and has not lost yet, although the draw with Kasımpaşa after a two‑goal advantage showed they cannot always maintain control. The absence of Orkun Kökçü and Fabio Mirtti weakens the midfield, but the return of Václav Černý and the readiness of Ridwan Yılmaz and O‑Hyun Gyu give the coach options. The Korean striker has already scored four goals for the club. The visitors’ defense also has faults, and Seltan can take advantage if they attack without excessive risk. According to current form and European results, the advantage seems to be on Besiktas, although the need to salvage the campaign may help the hosts impose the fight.
Forecast: 2-2
Conference League
Trabzonspor – Freiburg: Match Preview and Prediction in the Third Round of the Group Stage of the 2026/27 Conference League
We have the lineups for the match between Trabzonspor and Freiburg in the third round of the group stage of the 2026/27 Conference League. In the third round of the Conference League, representatives from Turkey and Germany will face each other. "Trabzonspor" is determined to continue its winning streak, while "Freiburg" has its own plans for the exit.
