Besiktas vs Lyon Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Lyon walked away from Parc OL the happier of the two teams last week after securing a 2-1 victory over Besiktas, but it was a match marred by crowd trouble and Lyon only grabbed the first leg win thanks to a late comeback. The match was postponed by nearly an hour as the crowd were forced onto the pitch amid disturbances, and both teams face UEFA charges regarding the incident. The chances are that tensions will be running a bit high on Thursday evening.

That defeat ended Besiktas’ 11 match unbeaten streak in all competitions, with them winning eight of those 11 games and putting themselves five points clear of Istanbul Basaksekhir in the Turkish Super Lig.

In the Europa League they have knocked out Olympiakos and Hapoel Be’er Sheva after finishing 3rd in their Champions League group, but this is the first time they have faced having to come from behind in a tie this season.

Lyon’s troubles didn’t end at Parc OL last week. Their visit to Bastia on Sunday was delayed after a group of home fans attempted to attack the Lyon players, and despite coming out to play, the first half continued disturbances resulted in that match being called off. Not exactly the best preparation for a potentially heated second leg in the cauldron of Istanbul!

Lyon have now won just two of their last six games in all competitions as well, and away from home it’s even worse for them. They have won two, drawn two, and lost six of their last ten away days, including a 2-1 loss to Roma in their last Europa League tie.

Besiktas, meanwhile, have won 11, drawn one, and lost one of their last 13 home games in all competitions, so they will definitely feel they are in with a chance here. I can’t see Lyon getting a win here, and considering their recent away form, odds of 1.875 for a Besiktas 0.0 Asian Handicap look excellent value for money. I’m backing that alongside a 2-1 correct score predictions at 9/1 that would take the tie to extra time.