Dynamo Kyiv made a giant step towards the last 16 stage by winning the first leg 4:1 away from home, although the scoreline was pretty harsh on Besiktas, who played well throughout the game but were punished for poor defending at set-pieces. Everything suggests this match will be much closer than the first one.

Great result for Dynamo

This is the first season after quite a while when Dynamo missed out on the Champions League group stages, having been eliminated by Ajax, but Yuri Semin’s side didn’t let that ruin the entire season and they are getting the most of the opportunity to play in the Europa League. Dynamo had some problems at the start of the group stage but the double win over AZ and an away victory over BATE kick-started their season and saw them qualify for the knockout stages. Seeing that the Ukrainians had been without a competitive game for two months before the trip to Besiktas, there were some doubts as to whether Dynamo can match the in-form Turks, but Yuri Semin’s men impressed in Turkey and created a three-goal advantage before the return leg. The first leg result should guarantee us a very open game at Valery Lobanovsky Stadium, even if Dynamo have virtually clinched their place in the last 16 stage.

Taras Mykhalyk has been ruled out with a knee injury, while Milos Ninkovic could play some part after recovering from injury.

Besiktas punished for defensive mistakes

After struggling to match other Turkish giants over the last few years, Besiktas chiefs decided to put together a team capable of challenging for honours, with players like Ricardo Quaresma, Simao, Guti, Manuel Fernandes and Hugo Almeida arriving to Inonu Stadium. However, after the promising start Besiktas have started struggling of late and they are currently on a three-match losing run. Bernd Schuster’s side suffered league defeats either side of the 4:1 loss to Dynamo and they desperately need a morale-boosting victory even if it doesn’t see them qualify for the next round. Besiktas produced a good attacking performance against Dynamo, which was not too surprising considering the attacking potential at their disposal, but they conceded no less than three goals after set-pieces, thus losing every chance to make it to the last 16 stage. Nonetheless, the Turks will try to win this game and they will attack Dynamo from the off.

Ricardo Quaresma is suspended after seeing red in the first leg, while Simao and Manuel Fernandes are ineligible. Keeper Cenk Gonen is out with injury, as is Ersan, whereas Ibrahim Uzulmez have been dropped from the squad for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Verdict

Dynamo have all but secured a passage to the next round and they can play a waiting game with Besiktas, with the Turks clearly struggling at the back. However, with Besiktas set to attack from the start we should see a very open game, so my advice is to bet on over 2.5 goals.

Our prediction: Over 2.5 goals

Odds: 1.91 (10/11)

Bookmaker: William Hill