Injury Forces Attack Shift Ahead of Besiktas Europa League Opener
Besiktas launch their UEFA Europa League campaign at Tupras Stadyumu facing Olympique de Marseille under revised offensive parameters. A single fitness blow forces a structural reshuffle for the home side as they seek to establish early momentum in continental competition.
Murillo Named in Lineup Against Former Club Amid Frontline Shift
Leandro Trossard is ruled out of Thursday’s fixture due to injury, representing the sole squad absence for Besiktas. Former Marseille full-back Amir Murillo is set to feature on the right flank opposite summer arrival Kassoum Ouattara, with Tiago Djalo expected to start on the bench.
Amir Murillo
player| Position | Besiktas Predicted XI |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Alexander Nubel |
| Defenders | Kassoum Ouattara, Emirhan Topcu, Emmanuel Agbadou, Amir Murillo |
| Defensive Midfield | Yasin Ozcan |
| Attacking Midfield / Wingers | Ilhan Fakili, Orkun Kokcu, Junior Olaitan, Vaclav Cerny |
| Forward | Dusan Vlahovic |
Agbadou and Topcu Defensive Pivot to Test Marseille Transition
Without Trossard to stretch play, Besiktas rely on central target Dusan Vlahovic supported by Vaclav Cerny and Junior Olaitan across the primary attacking line. Defensive stability falls on the center-back pairing of Emmanuel Agbadou and Emirhan Topcu, anchored by Yasin Ozcan holding deep to disrupt Marseille’s central progression.
Scoreline Prediction
Supported by a settled back line led by goalkeeper Alexander Nubel, Besiktas enter the opening fixture with sufficient defensive stability to offset their forced attacking adjustment. Besiktas are projected to claim a 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille in Istanbul.