Prediction and odds for the game: Wolves (9/20) v Besiktas (6/1)
We are backing the home win
When: Thursday 12th December 2019, Kick-off 8 PM
Where: Molineux Stadium
On Thursday night, Wolves play their final group game in the Europa League, as they welcome struggling Besiktas to Molineux.
Wolves
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team have already qualified for the last 32 of the competition. However, a win in this clash could mean that the side from the Midlands wins the group too. They are currently second place, trailing group leaders Sporting Braga by a point. The Portuguese team face Slovan Bratislava in their last group game.
Wolves are currently in the midst of an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions. However, the home side has drawn three of their last four matches in all competitions.
Santo’s team have a highly respectable record in the Europa League this season, as they have won seven of their last nine matches in the competition, losing just once in the process.
Wolves have also won four of their last five home games in European football’s secondary competition. They have also scored in all four of those home wins.
It remains to be seen what sort of team that Wolves boss Santo fields with qualification already sealed. However, even with a rotated squad, they look a strong team.
Besiktas
The Turkish visitors have seriously underachieved in the Europa League this season. They are currently bottom of the group, having collected just three points. In fact, a 2-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in their last European game ended a run of five straight Europa League defeats for the visitors.
The win over the Slovakian side is part of a good run of form of late that has seen the visitors record six straight wins in all competitions. Had they played like they are currently earlier in the group, then no doubt they would not be facing elimination from the competition.
Besiktas have at least offered entertainment for money when it comes to goals in the Europa League, as four of their five games in Group k have produced over 2.5 goals.
The visitors have been poor on their travels in this competition, winning just once in their last seven away matches. They have also won just two of their last ten away matches in this competition.
Both teams have scored in six of Besiktas’ last seven away games in the Europa League, which is a trend that could continue in this clash.
Conclusion
Much will depend on what sort of sides both teams’ field in this encounter. Neither side is likely to field their best starting eleven with very little to play for. However, whatever team that Santo has fielded this season in this competition have been competitive. That is the reason we are backing the home win.
The other bet we are backing is over 2.5 goals to be scored, as both team’s games have been relatively high-scoring of late.
Verdict: Back the home win at odds of 9/20 and/or the over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 10/11. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
[geosnippet id=3620]If you are looking to place a bet on Wolves v Besiktas, then don’t forget to visit our betting page for the best bookmakers to use for your bet. Our soccer predictions page may also interest you, as we post two tipping articles per day if betting is your game.
Will Wolves end the group stages of the Europa League with a victory?
