Besiktas to host Crystal Palace at Vodafone Park in UEFA Europa League 2026-27 — starting lineups confirmed
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü will host Crystal Palace at Vodafone Park on 22 October 2026 in their third league phase contest of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27, with confirmed starting lineups and pre-match updates released ahead of the fixture.
The Black and Whites arrive having won both of their opening two matches in this season's European competition, including a 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim in their most recent outing. In that game Besiktas were at times vulnerable defensively but still secured the three points. Vincenzo Italiano’s side will be playing at home and must use that setting to their advantage, with the expectation they look to establish early control of the match.
Crystal Palace come into the game on the back of one win and three losses in their last four matches across competitions and are fresh from a 0-5 defeat by Brighton in their recent Premier League outing. That run has left Pierre Sage’s men under pressure, and the coaching staff will be seeking improvements in defensive organisation ahead of this Europa League fixture.
Dusan Vlahovic is pencilled in as one of Besiktas’s principal attacking threats; the 26-year-old has produced respectable displays in domestic competition and will be deployed as a lone striker in this match. Vlahovic will also be aiming to open his account in the UEFA Europa League this season.
For Crystal Palace, 23-year-old Spanish midfielder Yéremi Pino is identified as a key figure in midfield who can retain possession and contribute goals. Pino will be relied upon to raise his level as Palace attempt to arrest their recent slide and return to winning ways.
The match completes the third league-phase round of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27 for both clubs; Besiktas will aim to add to their two opening victories while Crystal Palace seek a response after their recent domestic results.
