Finnish match fitness versus Turkish class: prediction for Başakşehir vs Inter Turku – 22.07.2026
On July 22, at the Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium, the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round will see Turkish side Başakşehir host Finnish club Inter Turku. The hosts are just kicking off their official campaign, while the visitors are already in full competitive rhythm, having advanced through the previous stage of European competition.
- Also read: Prediction for the match Železničar Pančevo vs Braga: hosts aim to cause an upset - 22.07.2026.
Başakşehir: a powerful attacking line, but yet to play official matches
Nuri Şahin’s team earned their European ticket by finishing fifth in the Turkish Super Lig. Last season, the Istanbul club picked up 57 points over 34 rounds, capping off their campaign with victories over Samsunspor and Gaziantep. Their main goal now is to return to the main stage of the Conference League.
Başakşehir have noticeably revamped their squad over the summer. Emin Bayram and Michał Karbownik have bolstered the defense, while Eldor Shomurodov’s contract was made permanent. The coaching staff also have Davy Selke, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Yusuf Sarı, and Olivier Kemen at their disposal—by the standards of this qualifying round, the hosts’ attacking potential looks formidable.
However, Edin Višća, who recently rejoined the Istanbul side, is not included in UEFA’s official squad list for this clash with the Finns. As a result, Nuri Şahin won’t be able to rely on the experience of the Bosnian winger just yet.
The Turkish club wrapped up their European preparations with back-to-back victories. First, Başakşehir saw off Salzburg 2-1, then defeated Hungary’s Puskás Akadémia 2-0. Still, these were friendlies with numerous substitutions, so questions remain about their official match sharpness.
Inter Turku: 16-game unbeaten run and a dangerous attacking trio
The Finnish side head to Istanbul with considerably more match practice. Vesa Vasara’s men have already played 16 national league games, collecting 31 points and sitting second in the standings. Inter’s unbeaten streak in all competitions stretches back to early May and now stands at 16 games.
In the first qualifying round, the Finns overcame Sarajevo. After a 1-1 draw in Bosnia, Inter prevailed 2-1 at home thanks to goals from Alié Konte and Clinton Djefta. Konte found the net in both legs against the Bosnian side and remains the team’s main attacking threat this season.
The visitors are adept at causing problems with rapid transitions. Konte, Djefta, and Loïc Essomba possess real pace, while midfielders Prosper Ahiabu and Janne-Pekka Laine provide vital work rate in the center of the park. Against Başakşehir, Inter Turku are unlikely to dominate possession for long stretches, but the space behind the hosts’ full-backs could be a rich source of chances.
The only significant personnel question concerns Eetu Huuhthanen. The first-choice goalkeeper missed the last league match against Jaro, so Eero Vuorijoki may again get the nod between the posts in Istanbul. No other injuries or suspensions have been reported in the Inter squad ahead of this tie.
Probable lineups
- Başakşehir: Şengezer — Bulut, Opoku, Ba, Karbownik — Kemen, Umut Güneş — Yusuf Sarı, Fayzullaev — Shomurodov, Selke.
- Inter Turku: Vuorijoki — Saarinen, Kuittinen, Kangasniemi, Niska — Tuominen, Ahiabu, Laine — Essomba, Konte, Djefta.
Pre-match facts
- Inter Turku are unbeaten in their last 16 matches across all competitions.
- The Finnish club both scored and conceded in both legs against Sarajevo.
- Başakşehir have won their last two friendlies by a combined score of 4-1.
- These teams have never met before in official competitions.
- A home win is priced at around 1.20–1.22, while odds for both teams to score are about 2.37.
The visitors could exploit the hosts’ lack of match rhythm: Başakşehir vs Inter Turku prediction
The difference in player quality is clear. Başakşehir boast far more individual class in attack, a deep bench, and home advantage. Shomurodov, Selke, and Fayzullaev should regularly find space around the Finnish penalty area, making the hosts deserved favorites.
However, the odds on a straightforward home win are quite low. The goals market looks more intriguing. Inter Turku have already come through a tough battle with Sarajevo, are unbeaten for over two months, and possess a quick and dangerous front three. Vasara’s side have scored in both of their European matches, while Başakşehir are just transitioning from friendlies to competitive football.
The hosts should confirm their superiority, but their defense could well make at least one mistake against a well-drilled, match-fit opponent. Predicted score: 3-1.
Prediction: both teams to score – yes.
