- Besiktas form: Besiktas JK have been in excellent form across all competitions over the last few weeks (8 wins from their last 10 matches). The hosts have won each of their last three games, which includes a 6-2 victory over Corum Belediyespor, a 2-1 away victory over Fenerbahce and a 3-0 victory over Erzurumspor FK.
- Marseille form: Olympique Marseille have struggled in recent weeks (3 straight losses), losing their last two games 3-2 and 1-0, at home to Paris FC and away to Stade Rennes FC in Ligue 1.
Hosts on a hot streak
Besiktas:
Besiktas JK head into this opener in excellent shape, having won eight of their ten matches across all competitions, including each of their last three. Vincenzo Italiano's side are a fast-paced team, they press high, they defend with a high line and they look to transition quickly when they win the ball. This approach has served Besiktas well in recent times and they've conceded just two across their last five home matches (W5, D0, L0).
Marseille:
Marseille are a different beast altogether. Les Phocéens look to build from the back and build-up in a structured way, which is evident in their preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 set-up. Bruno Genesio has the team well drilled and are compact, but they look to fire on the trigger, rather than fly up the field when in possession.
Marseille will be up against it
Besiktas are the 1.71 favorites to win this game, with Marseille at 4.3 and the draw at 3.95, which seems a little unbalanced. This game will go one of two ways, either Marseille hold firm and make a game of it, or Besiktas catch them off guard and score early on.
On paper, Besiktas certainly look the sharper team in this opening game of the UEFA Europa League league phase (2026-2027) and they are the most likely to come out on top. But Marseille's structure should allow them to stay in this contest should they survive the opening exchanges.
Goals are likely
Over 2.5 goals at 1.55 seems a decent fit here, both sides like to get forward when they can and Besiktas' style of play should see them push men forward in numbers in the early stages, while Marseille, who like to play wide, will create chances too.
- Gouiri has been Marseille's main spark in the attack of late, netting two goals in his last five games for the club, whilst Les Phocéens have netted six times in that period.
