Besiktas v Crystal Palace: Europa League preview — Vodafone Park, October 22

Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü will host Crystal Palace at Vodafone Park on October 22 in their third league-phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27. Besiktas arrive unbeaten in the group after two wins, while Crystal Palace come into the match with one win and three defeats in their last four games.

Besiktas beat TSG Hoffenheim 3-2 in their previous European outing despite at times looking vulnerable at the back, and the team is managed by Vincenzo Italiano. Crystal Palace are led by Pierre Sage and were beaten 0-5 by Brighton in their most recent Premier League match, putting pressure on their next performance. The preview notes that Beşiktaş must use home advantage to try to seize early control of the game.

Dusan Vlahovic, 26, is expected to lead Besiktas as a lone striker and is searching for his first UEFA Europa League goal this season after solid domestic showings. Besiktas will be without Milot Rashica and Orkun Kokcu due to injury. The side’s expected XI is listed as Nubel (GK); Murillo, Agbadou, Topcu, Yilmaz; Ozcan; Cerny, Olaitan, Miretti, Trossard; Vlahovic.

Yéremi Pino, described here as a 23-year-old Spanish midfielder capable of controlling midfield and contributing goals, will be an important player for Crystal Palace. Chadi Riad is ruled out with a knee injury for Palace, while Dean Henderson, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben Chilwell are not yet confirmed as part of the squad. Crystal Palace’s projected lineup is Benitez (GK); Canvot, Richards, Ahanor; Khalaili, Wharton, Timber, Mitchell; Kamada, Pino; Mateta.

Besiktas’ 3-2 win over Hoffenheim underlined their ability to secure points even when defensive issues surfaced, and Crystal Palace’s recent run of one win and three defeats has increased scrutiny on their defensive approach. The Eagles’ heavy defeat to Brighton is cited as a key concern ahead of this European fixture.

Prediction: Besiktas 1-2 Crystal Palace.

The match is scheduled for October 22 at Vodafone Park and will be shown in India on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV. For further updates readers are directed to follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, or to download the Khel Now Android App or iOS App and join its communities on WhatsApp and Telegram.