Wolves to kick start European hopes
Wolves picked up their first Premier League win of the season at the weekend. Have Nuno Espirito Santo’s men turned a corner as they face a trip to Besiktas in the Europa League? Have a read of our preview here:
A win, a win at last!
What a frustrating start it has been for Wolves this season. The team returned to the top-flight last season after a prolonged absence and hit the ground running. They played some lovely football and, at one stage, were even convincing pundits that they could sneak into the top-four.
They have not entered the dreaded second season of the Premier League which has caught out a number of teams over the years. Although Wolves have too much quality to go down they will not be happy with only one win in the opening seven games. They will be looking to keep pace with Chelsea, who are in European action on Wednesday, and so far they are four points adrift of those in the top-four.
With the performances they have put in, you’d expect them to be at least four points better off but four draws and two defeats before the win against Watford had some fans murmuring about Nuno’s future (ridiculous I know!).
They head into Thursday night’s game with every chance of getting a result against a Besiktas side that have struggled to get results this season. Wolves will likely go with a strong squad especially after losing the opening group game against Braga two weeks ago or they could find their first European adventure in 40 years could be over before it has even begun.
New powers in Turkish football
Besiktas are traditionally one of the big three powers in Turkish football and they remain formidable – finishing third last season but not behind the two sides you might think.
Galatasaray was one with the Red and Yellows winning the league by a slim two-point margin and four ahead of Besiktas themselves but the side that finished runners-up are the new power in the capital.
İstanbul Başakşehir are a relatively new team, founded in 1990, and they have been flexing some muscle. Besiktas did pick up a point against them on Monday but, like Wolves, lost their opening Europa League game and will be desperate to pick up a win at home on Thursday. The 4-2 defeat to Slovan Bratislava was humbling and the supporters will be expecting a response.
Besiktas v Wolves betting tip
Wolves head to Turkey following a few disappointing displays in the Premier League but they nabbed the all-important win against Watford at the weekend. With Besiktas out of form it could be a good night for the Black Country side, therefore, backing Wolves to win at odds of 9/5 is a good shout with Ladbrokes Ladbrokes.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
A late goal got the job done for Wolves and squeaked home this tipster here.