Football Bet of the Day for Thursday: Today’s football best bet focuses on Shakhtar vs Besiktas in the Europa League. We break down team news, form and stats for this huge clash. Read on to view the tips and insight…
One of our trusted experts, known for his deep knowledge of European football, has picked this game as Today’s Best Bet, and the selection makes plenty of sense.
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⚽ Football Bet of the Day
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas
Gram Dodd; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Shakhtar Donetsk to win | |
21/20 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Shakhtar arrive with confidence and attacking firepower, having won 4-2 away in the first leg. Besiktas must push forward, but that will leave gaps the Ukrainians are well-equipped to exploit. With Alisson in electric form and a settled starting XI, Shakhtar are well-placed to claim another win in Krakow. | |
📈 Three Key Stats Behind Today’s Best Bet
- Alisson has contributed to eight goals (3G, 5A) in two European ties for Shakhtar this season.
- Besiktas have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five competitive matches.
- Shakhtar have scored 10 goals in their last three Europa League matches.
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Rationale:
Shakhtar Donetsk return to action in Krakow for the second leg of their Europa League qualifier against Besiktas, carrying a valuable two-goal advantage after a thrilling 4-2 victory in Istanbul. That result not only stunned many but also shifted the momentum of the tie firmly in favour of the Ukrainian giants. While the return leg is being played in neutral territory due to ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Shakhtar’s squad look settled and sharp, with their dynamic front line proving almost unplayable in the first leg.
The standout player in the tie so far has been Alisson, who already has three goals and five assists in just two European appearances this summer. Alongside Kevin and Eguinaldo, the Brazilians have added flair and incision to a side once gutted by war-time departures but now rebuilt with a youthful, high-tempo identity.
Besiktas, now under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, came into this tie with high hopes after investing heavily in their squad over the summer, including headline arrivals like Orkun Kökçü and Tammy Abraham. While the English striker did score on his debut in the first leg, the Turkish side were exposed defensively and lacked control in midfield, particularly with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Zaynutdinov both missing through injury.
Although Besiktas must chase the game, it’s difficult to see them doing so without leaving themselves open at the back. Shakhtar are incredibly dangerous on the break, and with the Turkish side needing at least three goals to stand any chance, Solskjaer’s men will have to gamble — and that could spell disaster.
With the form Shakhtar are in, and Besiktas’ defensive frailties, we’re tipping the hosts (technically) to do the double and win again in the second leg — this time more controlled, and potentially by a tighter margin.
✅ Best Bet: Shakhtar Donetsk to win
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