Besiktas Backed to Hold Off Midtjylland in Denmark

The second leg of the Europa League second qualifying round continues in the early hours of Friday, with Midtjylland returning home to face Besiktas. Besiktas won the first leg at home and travel to northern Europe with a one-goal advantage, meaning a draw in the return leg would be enough to send them through. Even against a Midtjylland side with no margin for error, Besiktas believe they can get the job done.

Although Midtjylland looked solid in friendlies, they were below par away from home in the first leg. F. Etim was sent off early and is suspended for this match, and Midtjylland eventually lost 1-0 after having to play with 10 men. The positive for them is that they responded quickly in league action, beating Sonderjyske 3-2 thanks to goals from V. Byskov and Emil Frederiksen to get back to winning ways. Their strong attacking output also offers hope of a comeback, with 17 goals scored across their last five matches, and they are certain to go on the front foot at home in the second leg.

The new Turkish Super Lig season has not yet started, so Besiktas have only had friendlies to maintain their rhythm. Results in those games were modest, with one win, one draw and one defeat from three matches. But in the first leg of this Europa League tie, they made full use of home advantage and the long spell with an extra man, eventually winning 1-0 through a goal from Orkun Kokcu. One concern remains their lack of cutting edge in attack: despite playing with a numerical advantage for a long period and attempting 23 shots in the first leg, they scored only once. Heading to Denmark for the return leg, Besiktas need to be more efficient in front of goal, otherwise they risk being exposed by Midtjylland's all-out attacking approach and missing the firepower to respond.