Preview: Besiktas vs. Sivasspor - prediction, team news, lineups

Besiktas will look to build on their strong Super Lig start as they host Sivasspor at Vodafone Park this weekend, following a dominant win over Lugano in the Europa League qualifiers and a solid domestic start.

The visitors face a tough challenge at a venue where they have historically struggled, compounded by their recent inconsistent form.

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Match preview

Besiktas, currently in third place with seven points from their first three games, have been exceptional so far. Their season began with a commanding 5-0 win over league champions Galatasaray in the Super Cup, setting a strong tone for their campaign.

They continued their impressive form with a thrilling 4-2 home victory against Antalyaspor, followed by a disciplined 2-0 away win at Samsunspor. Most recently, they secured a resounding 5-1 home triumph over Lugano in the Europa League, which guaranteed their participation in this season's competition proper.

The appointment of Giovanni van Bronckhorst as manager in June 2024 has been a major boost for Besiktas, succeeding caretaker manager Serdar Topraktepe. Van Bronckhorst has introduced a solid tactical approach, which is evident in the team's robust performances both domestically and in Europe.

This strong start to the season signals Besiktas' intention to challenge for top honours, rebounding from their disappointing sixth-place finish last season with their current form suggesting they are serious contenders for the championship and eager to showcase their credentials.

The hosts will also take confidence from their impressive home record against Sivasspor; the visitors have struggled to secure points at Vodafone Park recently, failing to win in their last four league visits, with their most recent triumph dating back to January 2020.

In contrast, Sivasspor's start to the Super Lig campaign has been inconsistent, and they are currently sitting sixth with four points from their first three games, which began with some promise in the form of a 1-1 draw at home against Trabzonspor, followed by a 2-1 away win at Kayserispor that preceded a 1-0 home defeat to Eyupspor.

Despite these difficulties on the road, Sivasspor have shown they can be competitive, having won two of the last three encounters between these teams, albeit on their own turf at the Yeni Sivas 4 Eylul Stadyumu.

This track record provides some optimism, but replicating that success away from home has proven to be a substantial hurdle.

The Yigidos' recent form has been a mixed bag, with their home defeat to Eyupspor serving as a stark reminder of the need to address their inconsistencies.

As they prepare to face Besiktas, the visitors will need to overcome their historical struggles at this venue and deliver a strong performance to make a statement in their campaign.

Facing a Besiktas side that has been in formidable shape, Sivasspor will need to rise to the occasion and prove their ability to compete against top teams away from home. A positive result would not only boost their standings but also signal their readiness to improve on their seventh-place finish from last season.

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Team News

Besiktas will be buoyed by the return of Ciro Immobile, who has been in scintillating form since his arrival, including a two-goal performance in their most recent match. His presence is expected to bolster the attacking options for the hosts.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's availability is in doubt due to ongoing transfer speculation that might see him sidelined for this fixture.

Additionally, new signing Felix Uduokhai has yet to feature for Besiktas and may remain unavailable for selection in this game.

For Sivasspor, the team will be without Queensy Menig, who is recovering from an injury and is expected to return by late September, and Mehmet Albayrak continues his recovery from an ACL injury, with his anticipated return in April.

Ugur Ciftci, who served a suspension in the previous match, should be back in contention for this game.

Besiktas possible starting lineup: Gunok; Svensson, Gabriel, Topcu, Masuaku; Ndour, Al-Msurati; Rashica, Fernandes, Rafa; Immobile

Sivasspor possible starting lineup: Vural; Paluli, Basyigit, Radakovic, Ciftci; Bieganski, Charisis; Pritchard, Turgunboev, Bassan; Manaj

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We say: Besiktas 3-1 Sivasspor

Besiktas have been in outstanding form, both domestically and in Europe, and their daunting home record against Sivasspor, who have struggled at Vodafone Park in recent years should ensure a dominant win.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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