Istanbul Basaksehir vs Gent Predictions

• At least three goals have been scored in eight of Istanbul Basaksehir’s last 11 European games.
• At least three goals have been scored in seven of Gent’s last ten away games.
• Gift Emmanuel Orban has scored six goals in his last three games, including four last weekend.

Second-leg skirmish looks good for goals

Gent and Istanbul Basaksehir face off on Wednesday in the Europa Conference League last-16 second leg with much promise for a real attacking treat. The Grey Owls were pegged back in Belgium last week in an entertaining 1-1 draw that probably should have seen more goals scored.

The incessant rain eventually took its toll on the surface and players struggled to keep their feet in the latter stages of the game. There should be no such problems in Turkey this week where the hosts are currently going through a rough patch of form.

Emre Belozoglu’s side have lost three of their last four games and could have returned from Belgium with a deficit from the first-leg had the Buffaloes not been oddly reluctant to shoot.

The Gift that keeps on giving

Gent have unearthed a real gem in 20-year-old Nigerian striker Gift Emmanuel Orban, who was snapped up from Norwegian outfit Stabaek in January. The four-goal hero of the Buffaloes’ 6-2 win over Zulte Waregem at the weekend took his tally to nine goals in his first eight appearances and it would be no exaggeration to say that he could have scored seven on the day.

Gent usually create lots of chances and his appetite for goals make backing over 2.5 goals this week very appealing. At least three goals have been scored in seven of Gent’s last ten away games and while Basasksehir are not in quite the same goalscoring form, it is noteworthy that eight of their last 11 European games have featured over 2.5 goals.

Gent’s counter-attacking prowess can see them progress with a 2-1 away win on Wednesday night.