Celtic vs Besiktas Preview & Prediction | 2026-27 UEFA Europa League | League Phase
by Trystan Pugh ·
Click here for today's sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Scottish champions Celtic welcome Turkish side Besiktas to Celtic Park on Thursday in the league phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League.
Kick-off date/time:
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Celtic vs Besiktas prediction
Celtic's European campaign has been a struggle. They sit 35th in the league phase table, still without a point heading into Thursday's fixtures, after defeats to Ferencvaros, Benfica and Celta Vigo, and they have conceded eight goals in three games. Domestically they still lead the Scottish Premiership, but a 2-0 defeat at Falkirk on Sunday was their sixth loss in ten games and has increased the pressure on Martin O'Neill.
Besiktas have made a much stronger start and sit eighth on seven points heading into Thursday's fixtures. A 4-1 thrashing of Marseille was followed by a 3-2 win at Hoffenheim and a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, and the Turkish side are fourth in the Super Lig. They drew 2-2 at Kasimpasa on Sunday, so they arrive in good heart, and the bookmakers make them favourites even though they are travelling.
Celtic are desperate for points and should have the Celtic Park crowd behind them, but their defence has been badly exposed. Even so, they have scored in every league phase game, and Besiktas have scored and conceded in all three of theirs, so we expect goals at both ends.
Celtic vs Besiktas tip: Both teams to score
