WITH both Besiktas and Spurs already assured of a place in the Europa League knockout phase, Mark O’Haire (@MarkOHaire) examines the best bets available on their Istanbul duel on Thursday night.
Besiktas v Tottenham | Thursday 18.00 | ITV 4
It’s a straight shootout in Turkey to see who’ll finish top of the tree in Group C. Besiktas and Tottenham have already booked their place in the Round of 32 and with that in mind, it’s worth approaching this clash with caution.
The hosts have been in superb form this season. Since being edged out by Arsenal in the Champions League play-offs, the Black Eagles have W11-D5-L2 of their 18 games in all competitions and are a point clear of Galatasaray in their domestic league.
Slaven Bilic’s side men boast a formidable home record at the Atatürk Stadium too. Since March they’ve W19-D11-L2 of their 32 fixtures in front of their adoring supporters. The two defeats came against Istanbul rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
A Besiktas win is chalked up at 6/5 with Betfred and the price looks about right. For all Spurs’ (13/5 BetVictor) failings this season, they remain unbeaten in 18 Europa League ties (W12-D6) and despite the expected raft of changes from Mauricio Pocchetino, the Match Odds don’t standout significantly for a bet.
Instead, a small play on Both Teams To Score at 19/20 (Coral) should give us a bit of interest. Besiktas have netted in 26 of those aforementioned matches at the Atatürk but only kept three clean sheets in their last 14 at home.
The original tie at White Hart Lane featured plenty of goalmouth action in a 1-1 draw whilst Spurs have struck in all bar two of their 10 road games this campaign and in 13 of their past 16 Europa League matches on their travels.
Best Bets
Besiktas v Tottenham – Both Teams To Score (19/20 Coral)
