Turkish Süper Lig Istanbul Başakşehir are set to face Celje in a vital Conference League conflict on Thursday in Slovenia, with each groups desperate to safe their first factors of the league section.
After disappointing opening matches – Başakşehir falling to Rapid Vienna and Celje shedding to Vitoria Guimaraes – either side is determined for a turnaround.
Celje started their European journey within the Champions League qualifying rounds however had been relegated to the Europa League earlier than settling into the Conference League playoff spherical.
Facing elimination after a 1-0 defeat to Pyunik within the first leg of the playoffs, the Slovenian champions rallied with a commanding 4-1 victory within the second leg, securing their spot in the primary draw.
Unfortunately, Celje’s opening match led to disappointment as they fell 3-1 to Guimaraes, with Aljosa Matko netting a late comfort objective.
However, they’ve bounced again in home league play, claiming two consecutive victories – first overcoming Maribor 2-1 after which staging an exciting comeback from two objectives all the way down to beat Mura 4-3.
With their offensive prowess on show, having scored a minimum of two objectives in seven of their final eight aggressive matches, Celje will look to capitalize on dwelling benefit in opposition to Başakşehir.
For Başakşehir, their return to UEFA competitors comes after a robust fourth-place end within the Turkish Super Lig final season, following a one-year absence from European soccer.
Under coach Çağdaş Atan, they went previous the qualifying rounds by defeating La Fiorita and Iberia 1999 earlier than clinching a spot in the primary draw with a 2-0 mixture win over St. Patrick’s Athletic.
Despite securing clear sheets in qualifying, Başakşehir struggled of their opening match of the league section, succumbing to Rapid Vienna 2-1 at dwelling, marking their first defeat of the season.
They’ve since drawn in opposition to Kayserispor and suffered a slim loss to Trabzonspor, leaving them winless of their final three outings as they head into Thursday’s conflict.
However, their latest away type within the Conference League gives hope; they’ve received six, drawn three, and misplaced simply considered one of their final ten matches within the competitors, together with qualifying.
Celje will likely be with out right-back Zak Karnicnik, who has been sidelined since early September as a consequence of damage.
Midfielder Mario Kvesic returns after serving a suspension, whereas Marco Dulca might step into the midfield to exchange the ineligible Inigo Eguaras for his fifth European begin this season.
On the opposite facet, Başakşehir welcome again Leonardo Duarte and Ömer Şahiner, each getting back from damage.
However, ahead Serdar Güler’s availability is unsure after he left the match in opposition to Trabzonspor with an damage.
Meanwhile, Krzysztof Piatek will purpose to keep up his spectacular type, having scored 10 objectives in 15 appearances this season, together with 5 in seven European matches.
Source: www.dailysabah.com