Matchday 4 of the Europa League kicks off early Wednesday as Beşiktaş welcome Malmo to Istanbul, with the match rescheduled to keep away from a conflict with Galatasaray’s house sport on Thursday.
After a rocky begin that left them languishing on the backside of the 36-team standings, the Black Eagles turned their fortunes round with a shocking 1-0 victory towards a formidable Lyon aspect, climbing to twenty seventh place – simply exterior the qualifying spots on aim distinction.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who endured the same begin throughout his tenure with Rangers earlier than main them to the ultimate in 2021-22, hopes to copy that success with Beşiktaş.
The group desperately wanted this win after struggling heavy defeats to Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt, conceding a staggering seven targets.
The triumph in Lyon now provides Beşiktaş an opportunity to attain back-to-back wins in the identical Europa League season for the primary time since 2017, once they defeated Hapoel Be’er Sheva within the spherical of 16.
However, this European resurgence contrasts sharply with their home struggles.
Following the victory in Lyon, Beşiktaş noticed their unbeaten league run come to an abrupt finish, dropping their subsequent two Super Lig matches.
The disappointing loss to Galatasaray was adopted by a 3-1 setback at house towards Kasimpasa, which stirred discontent among the many followers.
Now, they face Malmo, a group they’ve traditionally struggled towards, boasting only one win of their final six encounters – all the way in which again within the 2005-06 UEFA Cup.
The Swedish aspect has received 4 of these matches, together with the final two at Beşiktaş’s house floor.
Malmo, having already secured the Allsvenskan title, rested most of their squad throughout their latest league matches, which might have an effect on their European marketing campaign.
Despite a shaky begin within the Europa League – having received solely as soon as towards Qarabağ – they possess a robust away file, dropping solely 4 of their final 10 matches within the competitors.
Their efficiency towards Turkish groups has additionally been commendable, with six wins and a attract eight encounters.
Since their 1-0 defeat to Olympiacos, Malmo has proven indicators of enchancment, thanks partially to Taha Ali, who scored as soon as and assisted thrice in latest fixtures towards Goteborg and Hammarby.
Beşiktaş could also be with out defender Gabriel Paulista, who has missed the final 4 matches as a result of a thigh harm.
Midfielder Necip Uysal and ahead Milot Rashica are confirmed absentees, whereas high scorer Ciro Immobile, who was substituted at halftime within the loss to Kasimpasa, is predicted to steer the assault once more alongside Portuguese gamers Joao Mario and Rafa Silva, and both Ernest Muci or younger expertise Semih Kilicsoy.
On the Malmo aspect, goalkeeper Johan Dahlin and defender Jens Stryger Larsen are uncertain after being rested, as coach Henrik Rydstrom has opted for warning forward of this important conflict.
Several key gamers, together with Peruvian worldwide Sergio Pena – who leads the Europa League in tackles – have been additionally rested for the latest draw with Hammarby.
Lasse Berg Johnsen returns from suspension, however Rydstrom will nonetheless be with out a number of first-team gamers, together with long-term absentees Sead Haksabanovic and Niklas Moisander, although Anton Tinnerholm and Stefano Holmquist Vecchia might return after the worldwide break.
Source: www.dailysabah.com