Beşiktaş vs Žalgiris Kaunas prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, August 20, 2026
In the final qualification round of the Europa League on August 20, 2026, the first leg between Beşiktaş and Žalgiris Kaunas will take place. For the visitors, even a draw will be an extremely difficult task.
Beşiktaş vs Žalgiris Kaunas: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Istanbul finished only third in the Super League last season, trailing not just neighbors Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, but also Trabzonspor. Such disappointment prompted the summer appointment of Italiano as head coach and the signings of Ouattara, Nübel, Trossard, and Vlahović. At least, the new season started with a victory, albeit a narrow one—1-0 against Eyüpspor. The team from Kaunas became league champions for the first time last season. They might retain their title, but the situation in their division remains highly complicated.
The Turkish side has already gone through two qualification rounds, showing maximum results. First, they defeated Midtjylland twice—1-0 at home and 2-0 in Denmark. Then, they secured two minimal victories (1-0 each) against Hradec Králové.
The Lithuanians, as reigning champions, started in the Champions League. They managed to get past their first two opponents, Drita (1-1 at home and 3-2 in Kosovo) and KI Klaksvík (narrow home win after a goalless away draw). But their next opponent, Dinamo Zagreb, overwhelmed them 0-5 in the first leg, and then won the return leg 2-1.
Previous Matches: Beşiktaş vs Žalgiris Kaunas
This is the first time the visitors will play in Istanbul.
Perhaps the Turks won't be as ruthless to the Lithuanians as the Croatians were. Still, they are expected to win by more than a minimal margin, potentially even with a rout—bet on a handicap of "-2 goals" (odds – 1.63).
Beşiktaş vs Žalgiris Kaunas: Key Statistics and Trends
- Beşiktaş have won all five matches this season
- The club averages 1.74 goals scored and concedes 1.18 goals per match
- Žalgiris Kaunas have won one of their last four European matches
- On average, Žalgiris scores 1.96 goals and concedes 0.71 goals per match
- 46% of Žalgiris matches end with goals from both teams, and the average total goals per match is 2.67
Beşiktaş vs Žalgiris Kaunas: Probable Starting Lineups
Beşiktaş plays in a 1-4-1-4-1 formation (probable lineup): Nübel – Yılmaz, Topçu, Djalo, Murillo – Özcan – Fakili, Kökçü, Olaytan, Cherny – O Hen Gu
Žalgiris Kaunas plays in a 1-4-1-4-1 formation (probable lineup): Mikelėnis – Konatar, Lekyatas, Tolordava, Mutashi – Baldassarra – Slivka, Kreković, Bensheb, Burba – Renan
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team’s position in the Europa League qualification standings
