Istanbul Başakşehir is able to kick off their Europa Conference League marketing campaign in opposition to Rapid Vienna on Wednesday, with each groups desperate to safe an important victory of their opening match.
The Grey Owls clinched their place within the match with a stable 2-0 mixture win within the playoff spherical, whereas Rapid Vienna discovered themselves relegated to this competitors following a slender 4-3 loss within the Europa League playoffs in opposition to Sporting Braga.
After profitable their first Turkish Süper Lig title within the 2019-20 season, Başakşehir confronted a difficult 2020-21, ending a disappointing twelfth.
However, the staff has steadily climbed the standings, ending fourth in 2021-22, fifth in 2022-23 and fourth once more in the latest season.
Under the steerage of Çağdas Atan, who took cost in September 2023, Başakşehir has made a robust begin this marketing campaign.
The staff has misplaced solely one among their first 12 matches throughout all competitions, together with a outstanding 10-game unbeaten streak, which was snapped by a defeat to Samsunspor.
The squad rapidly rebounded, defeating Sivasspor 2-1 and positioning themselves fifth within the Turkish Süper Lig with 13 factors from six matches, holding a recreation in hand over three of the 4 groups above them.
With momentum on their facet, Başakşehir is eager to proceed their sturdy type in opposition to a resilient Rapid Vienna facet.
The guests have additionally began the 2024-25 season nicely, struggling solely two losses of their first 16 matches throughout all competitions, together with 10 victories.
Although Rapid Vienna aimed for a Europa League spot, their exit within the playoffs might finally show helpful.
Competing within the Europa Conference League may present a clearer path to progress in Europe.
With an unbeaten streak of six matches, they’re coming into this fixture with loads of confidence.
In phrases of personnel, Başakşehir will possible be with out Omer Ali Sahiner and Leo Duarte as a result of accidents, whereas Jerome Opoku is a doubt after being substituted late within the earlier match. Hamza Gureler might step in as a alternative.
Krzysztof Piatek, who began the season strongly with eight targets in 9 video games, will likely be keen to search out the online once more after a current dry spell.
On the opposite facet, Rapid Vienna is dealing with vital harm considerations, with as much as eight gamers probably unavailable, together with Bernhard Zimmermann, Ferdy Druijf and Ryan Mmaee. The staff is predicted to subject a lineup much like their final outing, a 1-1 draw with LASK, that includes goalscorer Guido Burgstaller and Dion Drena Beljo main the assault.
Source: www.dailysabah.com