Prediction: Besiktas vs Lausanne-Sport

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

After sharing the spoils in Switzerland last week, Besiktas and Lausanne-Sport meet again on Thursday in Istanbul to decide who reaches the Europa Conference League group stage.

With only one hurdle left before the lucrative autumn phase, both sides know the stakes are high—yet the Turkish giants, playing in front of their passionate support, enter as strong favourites to finish the job.

Besiktas

In last Thursday’s first leg, Besiktas drew first blood when Milot Rashica capitalized shortly before the break to hand the visitors a crucial away goal. Yet Lausanne struck back in the second half to leave the tie evenly balanced at 1-1. Though frustrated not to hold their advantage, Senol Gunes’s men came away knowing that their destiny remains firmly in their own hands.

Besiktas have already been through a demanding qualifying path, eliminating St Patrick’s Athletic and Astana, and their performances across those rounds displayed resilience and attacking intent. Now, with the decider staged at Tupras Stadyumu, they can lean on their formidable home record and the intimidating atmosphere that has so often carried them through European nights.

Domestically, the Black Eagles also look steady. A 2-1 victory over Eyupspor at the weekend ensured they kept pace with rivals Fenerbahce in the Super Lig, underlining their confidence and sharpness heading into this decisive clash. The team appears to have settled early in the season, blending experience with younger talents, and their squad depth could prove decisive against a Lausanne side less accustomed to high-pressure encounters at this level.

With history and expectation on their side, Besiktas know that failure to progress would represent a major disappointment. The incentive of group-stage European football in front of their supporters provides all the motivation required to raise their game.

Team News

Injury concerns linger, with winger Rachid Ghezzal and midfielder Amir Hadziahmetovic doubtful, but the squad remains well-stocked. Rashica, who scored in Switzerland, is set to feature again, while Vincent Aboubakar and Jackson Muleka provide further options in attack.

In midfield, Gedson Fernandes is expected to anchor alongside Joao Mario, ensuring creativity and control. At the back, Daniel Amartey continues to impress, bringing solidity to a defence that will need to stay alert against Lausanne’s counters.

Lausanne-Sport

For Lausanne, simply reaching this stage is an achievement. Their spirited equalizer in the first leg kept them alive in the tie, and a single away goal in Istanbul could turn the pressure back onto Besiktaş. That resilience has been a theme of their qualifying run, as they previously eliminated Sheriff Tiraspol and Astana despite being labelled underdogs on both occasions.

However, domestically their form has been less convincing, with just one win in their opening five matches in the Swiss Super League. That inconsistency highlights the challenge ahead: facing a club of Besiktas’s stature, Lausanne will need near perfection to cause an upset.

Still, there is talent within their ranks. Forward Mamadou Kaly Sene offers a direct threat in attack, while Valentin Barco and Archie Brown bring pace and energy from the flanks. Goalkeeper Thomas Castella has been in fine form and will likely be called upon frequently on Thursday night. For a team without much experience of this stage, discipline and concentration will be key if they are to stand any chance.

Team News

Lausanne travel with a few setbacks. Defender Maxime Dominguez remains sidelined, while midfielder Stjepan Kukuruzovic is also struggling with injury.

Manager Peter Zeidler is expected to set up conservatively, relying on counter-attacks and quick transitions. The use of loanees such as Barco could provide some unpredictability, but overall Lausanne’s challenge is immense.

Conclusion

Besiktas’s pedigree in Europe, their strength at home, and the quality spread throughout their squad make them heavy favourites to advance. Lausanne deserve credit for reaching this stage and for their spirited first-leg display, but the gulf in experience and consistency is likely to prove decisive.

With the voices of the home supporters behind them, expect Besiktas to find the breakthrough they need, settle nerves, and push on to secure their spot in the Europa Conference League group phase. Lausanne may frustrate early, but the Turkish side should ultimately prove too strong.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet