Gent vs Istanbul Basaksehir Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 06/03/2023, 18:00  by Sridhar | Modified on 07/03/2023 at 13:50 in Conference League Predictions

Belgium club Gent will look to avoid the fate of last season when they lost in the round of 16 of the Conference League as they get ready to welcome İstanbul Başakşehir. The first leg of this tie will be played at Ghelamco Arena on Thursday. Gent were second in the Conference League Group F earlier in the season and had to come through the knockout play-offs. They defeated Azerbaijan side Qarabağ in that round, needing penalties to come through 5-3 after both sides won their respective home matches. Gent come into this match after a 1-0 win over Anderlecht in the Jupiler League where they remain outside top-four spots. Yet, with three wins out of four they have given themselves a good chance to extend their stay in Europe this season. It isn’t all rosy in the Conference League though, with the hosts winning only two of their last six matches in this competition while losing three. That hasn’t stopped them from enjoying home comforts though, with Gent winning three of their last four home Conference League matches.

İstanbul Başakşehir have been one of the most impressive sides in the group stage, winning Group A as leaders. They finished ahead of Fiorentina on goal difference and were the joint-highest scorers in the group stage with 14 goals. The visitors will be worried about their lack of game time though, as they have played only two competitive matches since February – losing both 1-0. These defeats have left them trailing at fifth place in the Süper Lig and will hope to find comfort in this competition. They have been impressive in the Conference League, losing only one match across 12 matches this campaign, which started in the qualifiers. Away form is a little tricky, as their last road trip in this competition was back in October and they failed to win their last two away Conference League matches.