Turkish Super Lig side Istanbul Basaksehir take on Braga in the Europa League next week, with the home side requiring a win if they are to have any chance of making it through to the next stage of the competition. However, with their opponents hoping to confirm their position at the top of the Group C standings, it could well be a tense affair in the Turkish capital.
Europa League – Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium, Istanbul – Thursday 7th December – 18:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 13/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Istanbul
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Despite having already qualified for he next round of this seasons Europa League, Braga will be looking to end their Group C campaign with a win when they travel to Turkey in order to take on Istanbul Basaksehir. However, with the home side still in with an outside chance of qualifying themselves, many are predicting a close encounter at the Fatih Terim Stadium. For those still unsure of who to back next week in Turkey, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, staring with the home side.
Istanbul Basaksehir Team News & Form
Istanbul Basaksehir come into this match off the back of a draw against Kayserispor in Turkey over the weekend, leaving them second in the top-flight standings. Meanwhile in Europe, manager Abdullah Avcı has led his side to just a single win in Group C to date, coming against Bulgarian side Ludogorets last week. The home side are a match for anyone on their day however, with the experience of players such as Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy, Gokhan Inler and Kerim Frei having contributed heavily to their success recently. However, with the fact that they have scored just five goals in Europe so far this season has certainly hindered their progress.
Braga Team News & Form
Braga defeated Feirense in Portugal over the weekend thanks to a 3-1 scoreline, leaving them fourth in the top-flight standings. Manager Abel Ferreira has led his team to three successes in Europe so far this season, including a 3-1 win over Hoffenheim last week. The likes of Danilo, Xadas and Wilson Eduardo are among the star players for the visitors, who have scored eight and conceded six goals in their five Group C matches this season. Their only defeat came against Ludogorets back in the middle of October.
Head to Head
Braga’s 2-1 win over Istanbul earlier on in the season in Portugal was the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, meaning that few conclusions can be made surrounding their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Their status as the home team next week means that it is Braga who are the firm favourites for victory with the bookmakers. The home side can be backed at odds of 10/11 with William Hill, while those looking to bet on a surprise away win for the Portuguese visitors can get odds of 7/2 with Betfair.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes in , with best odds of 3/4 available at Ladbrokes.