Besiktas vs St. Patricks Prediction & Betting Tips (14 August)

Besiktas enter the second leg of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round against St. Patrick’s Athletic with a 4-1 advantage and a cloud of uncertainty hanging over their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Despite a strong start to his tenure, including a derby win over Fenerbahce, recent inconsistencies and a 4-2 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk have sparked speculation about his future. The club has reportedly lined up Nuri Sahin and former manager Sergen Yalcin as potential replacements. On the pitch, Besiktas have been active in the transfer market, securing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City for €9.5 million, adding steel to a midfield that has seen significant turnover. Tammy Abraham, who netted a hat-trick in the first leg, remains a key threat.

St. Patrick’s Athletic, under the guidance of Stephen Kenny, face a daunting task in Istanbul. Their recent form has been a mixed bag—while they managed a gritty 2-2 draw away to Kalju and a 2-0 win over Waterford, their domestic campaign has been marred by inconsistency. The Saints have struggled to find the net consistently, and their defensive frailties were exposed in the first leg against Besiktas. However, new signing Jordon Garrick adds pace and unpredictability to their attack, and Mason Melia’s recent goal-scoring return could provide a glimmer of hope. Kenny’s tactical acumen will be tested as he seeks to engineer a comeback against a side brimming with individual talent.

The match promises to be a tactical chess game. Besiktas will likely aim to control possession and exploit the flanks, where Ndidi’s presence allows more freedom for their attacking midfielders. St. Pat’s, meanwhile, may opt for a compact shape and look to hit on the counter, hoping Garrick and Melia can stretch the Turkish defense. The Irish side’s resilience in previous European ties suggests they won’t go down without a fight, but they’ll need to be clinical and disciplined to stand a chance. The atmosphere at Vodafone Park will be electric, and the pressure on Solskjaer to deliver a convincing performance could influence his approach.

Given the dynamics and recent performances, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Besiktas seems a plausible outcome. St. Patrick’s are capable of nicking a goal, especially if Besiktas rotate or show complacency, but the Turkish side’s firepower—especially with Abraham in form—should be enough to secure progression. While the Saints may exit the competition, a spirited showing could restore pride and momentum heading back into domestic action. For Besiktas, the win would ease managerial tensions, at least temporarily, and keep their European ambitions alive.