08
Oct
Lens hosts Lyon in a Matchday 6 fixture of the French Ligue 1. The game is scheduled for Friday, October 9, at 21:45.
Besiktas starts its Europa League campaign by hosting Olympique Marseille on Thursday evening at 20:00 UK Time.
Match Preview
The hosts will be aiming for a spot in the competition's top eight. They boast an impressive record of eight wins and only two losses in their last ten matches. Their home performance is particularly striking - Besiktas has won its last five home games. This run includes victories over Erzurumspor (3:0), Corum (6:2), Eyupspor (1:0), and Kauno Zalgiris (3:0). The team is demonstrating not only consistency but also great efficiency in front of its home crowd.
Marseille is in much poorer form, with reports even surfacing about financial difficulties. The French side has lost its last three matches: 0:2 against Monaco, 2:3 against Paris FC, and 0:1 against Rennes. It is concerning that Marseille has failed to score in its last two games, while the defense has conceded six goals in the previous two league fixtures. Nevertheless, the French squad possesses enough quality and European experience to trouble any opponent in the Europa League.
Prediction for Besiktas - Marseille
The Turkish team is in excellent form and will look to capitalize on the support of its fans against a French opponent entering the match on the back of three consecutive losses. Furthermore, Besiktas has already gained significant European experience this season. The Turkish side advanced through the Europa League qualifiers with victories over Midtjylland, Hradec Králove, and Kauno Zalgiris. I expect them to beat Marseille on Thursday, and my prediction is a home win.
Prediction: 1
