Besiktas IstanbulvsAthletic Bilbao

Clash of the Titans

A new dawn rises over Istanbul as Besiktas welcomes a familiar face to the helm: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Baby-Faced Assassin takes charge amid a wave of optimism and the club's fervent fanbase hopes for a revival. Solskjaer's appointment signals intent. Besiktas, sitting in sixth place, has seen a mixed bag of results recently. But the Norwegian's charisma and knack for unearthing potential could steer the ship back on course. His first target? Tom Lawrence, a trusted ally from his Manchester United days. A move that could bolster the midfield and ignite the attack.

The Basque Challenge

Athletic Bilbao enters the fray with a bruised ego. A Supercopa exit to Barcelona 0-2 stings, especially with midfield generals Ander Herrera and Oihan Sancet sidelined. Yet, the Basque side isn't licking its wounds for too long. With eyes set on La Liga and Europa glory, Bilbao aims to rebound. Inaki Williams, alongside brother Nico, spearheads a resilient squad that has shown grit on the road. They've not lost in eight away games, a testament to their resolve.

Stats that Speak

Besiktas boasts an impressive home scoring streak, netting in each of their last 10 games. However, their defense has been porous, shipping multiple goals in recent outings. Athletic, on the other hand, has a solid away record, unbeaten in the Europa League. They score frequently between the 61st and 75th minute, a period Besiktas must watch closely. Despite their differing fortunes, both teams have potent attacks that promise goals.

Prediction Time

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter. Besiktas, with a new manager at the helm, is eager to prove a point. Solskjaer's impact might be immediate, but Bilbao's away form and attacking prowess cannot be overlooked. Expect both teams to find the net, with a draw being the most likely outcome. The odds? A tight 2.20 for the draw and 1.80 for both teams to score. This clash promises excitement and drama, with the potential for both sides to walk away with something to cheer.