A home run could help the Turks: Besiktas vs Crystal Palace prediction
The third-round match of the Europa League league phase between Besiktas and Crystal Palace will take place on October 22, 2026, at Tüpraş Stadium in Istanbul. The hosts have won both of their opening matches and sit among the leaders of the league table, while the English side have collected three points. Both teams head into the encounter after disappointing defeats in their domestic leagues, but Besiktas' current European form is clearly more convincing.
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Besiktas: Europe is going almost perfectly so far
Vincenzo Italiano's side made a powerful start to the league phase. Besiktas first thrashed Marseille 4-1 before edging Hoffenheim 3-2 in a high-scoring away clash. Oh Hyeon-gyu made the decisive contribution to the second victory, scoring twice in the second half. The Turkish club have scored seven goals in two rounds overall — one of the best records in the competition.
Their latest league outing was less successful, as Besiktas fell 0-2 to Trabzonspor and failed to extend their winning run. However, the team are highly confident at home in Europe and have won their last four international matches on their own turf. There are no suspensions ahead of this encounter, while the attack still offers a serious selection dilemma between Dusan Vlahovic and Hyeon-gyu.
Crystal Palace: defensive problems are becoming critical
Pierre Sage's team are going through a difficult spell. After a confident 4-0 victory over Lech in the opening round, the English side lost 2-3 to Lyon and then suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League. Palace have conceded 17 goals in just seven league matches — the worst record in the division.
The away statistics are particularly alarming. In their last 11 matches on the road in all competitions, the team have won only twice, while they conceded at least two goals in nine of those games. The return of Axel Disasi should add some solidity to the defense, but the issues surrounding Dean Henderson, Ben Chilwell and Takehiro Tomiyasu could make the task even more difficult.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Besiktas have won both of their opening Europa League league-phase matches.
- The Turkish club have won their last four home matches in European competition.
- Crystal Palace have won only two of their last 11 away matches in all competitions.
The hosts' attack should exploit the visitors' weaknesses: Besiktas vs Crystal Palace prediction
Both teams are capable of creating chances, so a completely cagey contest seems unlikely. Crystal Palace have quick and technically gifted players in attack, but their defense is currently far too unstable, especially away from home, where the same mistakes have appeared in virtually every match.
Besiktas have problems of their own, but they are far more confident at home in Europe and make better use of their chances. Taking into account their current form, home support and the visitors' poor defensive record, the hosts look more likely to win what should be a tense and entertaining encounter.
