There’s a major clash in Europa Conference League play-off as Dynamo Kyiv face off against Turkish side Besiktas. Both are used to performing at a higher level than this, so we take a look at one of the standout ties of this midweek set of fixtures.

Both Teams To Score

Dynamo Kyiv have experienced a wild start to the Ukrainian Premier League season, scoring four goals in both of their first two matches in convincing wins, before losing 3-2 to the impressive Chornomorets Odesa in the 90th minute. 

With such a flair for goals at both ends of the pitch, and young striker Vladyslav Vanat already catching the eye along with former West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko, we can expect the home side to take the game to Besiktas, knowing that a hostile atmosphere awaits them in Turkey next week.

Dynamo Kyiv scored twice on home soil to turn around a 1-0 deficit in the last round against Aris, eventually winning on penalties, and they’ll be looking to make a big impression here once again. However, in this play-off, there is no doubt that the quality of the opposition has increased. 

Besiktas couldn’t beat Pendikspor last time out in the league, but they have scored in every game so far this season and boast a talented squad. In the last round against Neftci, they won the first leg 3-1 away from home, before securing another win on home soil to make it through to this play-off. I’d expect them to have the same attacking mindset for this tie. 

With Ante Rebic and Vincent Aboubakar, they boast a potent attack, while Gedson Fernandes and Daniel Amartey will attempt to lock down the midfield. Those attacking threats should certainly give them enough to score on the day.

Correct score 1-2 

Using much of the same reasoning as we have given above, this match feels like one that will tilt marginally in the away sides favour. Looking at the two squads they clearly boast the midfield experience and attacking ability to go and get a win which will put them in the driving seat to qualify. 

Although we expect them to create several chances, they are also susceptible to conceding goals especially given what we have seen from Dynamo Kyiv so far this season. Besiktas should have enough to win this game, but rather than back BTTS and them to win, we’ve decided to go on the nose with a 2-1 win. 

It’s unlikely if they hold a narrow win that they are going to be chucking players forward searching for another goal with a second leg to come, and it is that theory that makes the 2-1 correct score far better value than the 16/5 on offer for BTTS and the away side to win.