Celtic vs Besiktas prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on November 5, 2026
On November 5, 2026, Celtic and Besiktas will meet in the fourth matchday of the Europa League league phase. Both sides will be aiming for victory.
Celtic vs. Besiktas: team news and expert analysis
The Glasgow club faced plenty of problems in 2025/2026, but ultimately secured a "double" after O'Neill returned as manager. They have not been flawless this season either, as shown by their early League Cup exit after a defeat in the Rangers derby. However, Celtic already occupy their familiar position as the outright leaders in the Premiership. The visitors from Istanbul finished only fourth in the last edition of the domestic Super Lig, even trailing Trabzonspor. And this season, after a strong start, they have already suffered several defeats.
The Scots began their European campaign in the Champions League, only to be eliminated in qualifying once again. This time, it was in spectacular fashion: 3-0 and 1-5 against LASK. They have also struggled in the current competition, initially losing 1-3 at home to Ferencvaros before suffering a heavy 1-4 defeat to Benfica in Lisbon in October. In their most recent match, they also failed to pick up points at home against Celta, losing 1-2.
The Turks started their campaign back in the summer, in the qualifying rounds. They swept past Midtjylland, Hradec Kralove and Zalgiris Kaunas, failing to win only in Lithuania—and even then only after a 3-0 home victory. They have continued in equally impressive fashion in the autumn: a 4-1 home win over Marseille and a 3-2 victory away to Hoffenheim. The match against Crystal Palace ended in a 2-2 draw at home, although Besiktas had to finish it with ten men.
Previous meetings: Celtic vs. Besiktas
As flagships of their respective national leagues, they will face each other for the first time.
The visitors are considered the favorites. That assessment makes perfect sense, but we will take the "0" handicap (odds – 1.66).
Celtic vs. Besiktas: key statistics and trends
- Celtic have lost four European matches in a row
- Celtic score an average of 2.25 goals and concede 0.83 goals per match
- Both teams have scored in 50% of Celtic's matches, with an average total of 3.08 goals per game
- Besiktas have won seven of their last nine league matches
- Besiktas score an average of 2 goals and concede 1.2 goals per match
- Both teams have scored in 50% of Besiktas' matches, with an average total of 3.2 goals per game
Celtic vs. Besiktas: possible starting lineups
Celtic play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Sinisalo — Donovan, Murray, Trusty, Tierney — McGregor, Baur — Camilo Duran, Sorensen, Tunekti — Hogh
Besiktas play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Nubel — Murillo, Agbadou, Topcu, Outtara — Ndidi, Kokcu — Fakili, Olatunji, Trossard — Oh Hyeon-gyu
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's progress in the Europa League standings
