Besiktas vs Lausanne Prediction & Betting Tips (28 August)

Besiktas and Lausanne-Sport are set to lock horns in the decisive second leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifier at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving everything to play for in Turkey. Besiktas, under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have been in free-scoring form, netting ten goals in their last five matches. Tammy Abraham, freshly arrived from Roma, has been a revelation, scoring six goals in his last five outings. With Rafa Silva orchestrating the midfield and Wilfred Ndidi anchoring the center, the Black Eagles are expected to take the initiative early, especially with the backing of over 40,000 fans.

Lausanne-Sport, led by Peter Zeidler, have shown flashes of brilliance in their European campaign, notably dispatching Astana with a 5-1 aggregate win. However, their defensive frailties remain a concern, having kept just two clean sheets in their last eight matches. Injuries to Alvyn Sanches and Enzo Kana-Biyik have thinned their options, though Bryan Okoh returns to bolster the backline. Up front, 19-year-old Gaossou Diakite has emerged as a key figure, scoring twice in Conference League qualifiers. The Swiss side will need to be compact and clinical if they hope to upset the odds in Istanbul.

Besiktas are expected to deploy their familiar 4-2-3-1 setup, with Orkun Kokcu and Ndidi forming a robust midfield shield. Milot Rashica and Rafa Silva will provide width and creativity, while Abraham leads the line. The absence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain due to an MCL injury is a blow, but Joao Mario’s recent performances suggest the midfield remains well-stocked. Lausanne, meanwhile, will likely opt for a cautious 4-3-3, hoping to exploit transitions through Kaly Sene and Diakite. Their recent 2-1 win over Vevey in the Swiss Cup showed resilience, but the challenge in Istanbul will be of a different magnitude.

Given Besiktas’ attacking momentum and Lausanne’s vulnerability on the road, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of the Turkish side feels like a realistic outcome. Besiktas have won four of their last six Conference League home qualifiers, scoring nine and conceding four. Lausanne have only one win in their last six away European fixtures. With Abraham in red-hot form and Solskjaer’s side growing in confidence, expect the Black Eagles to edge this contest, though Lausanne’s attacking spark could make it a nervy finish.