CSKA Sofia who are the bottom of Group L take on 2nd placed Beisktas who a win (currently with 7) to secure qualification for the next phase. CSKA got their first ever win in Europa League in the previous round when they visited Rapid Viena and bagged all 3 points with a 1-2 scoreline. However, CSKA practically have no chances of qualification for the next phase whereas Besiktas have everything to play for.
Fabian Ernst scored the winner that separated those two sides in their first meeting in Istanbul, but that goal game in the 90th minute. The Turkish giants were saving themselves back then and didn’t play most of their star players including Guti and Quaresma. Both are expected to feature this time around as Besiktas tries to secure qualification.
Our CSKA Sofia v Besiktas prediction is for an away win and the online bookies provide really nice odds here – 2,10! This certainly is one of the best Europa League picks for today. It’s interesting that Besiktas have not lost on their last 7 travels in Europe and they will be looking for their goal number 100 in European Competitions. They have currently scored a total of 98 goals in Uefa and Europa League.
Fact of the matter is that Besiktas are way better than CSKA Sofia. The budget of the Turks is 10 times bigger than the Bulgarians. Calculations suggest that the 11 players that will enter the field for Besiktas are worth a total of 45 million euroes while the 11 Bulgarians are valued at just 4,75 million. CSKA are showing a dip in their form having drawn their last game with relegation strugglers Academic Sofia. CSKA have won just 4 corners total in their 4 Europa League matches this season! That shows how tragical this side is and they basically have no chances tonight. These odds of 2,10 on Besiktas to win are an absolute Christmass present by the online sports bookies!
CSKA Sofia v Besiktas Prediction: Besiktas will win this one and you can double your money with a bet on them. They have the better players, play much better football and will be motivated to seal qualification for the elimination phase.
Today’s Europa League Pick: Besiktas to Win @ 2,20
