RFS vs Basaksehir Prediction & Tips
Rigas FS know that taking home advantage in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) is more important than ever as they look to become the first Latvian side to progress from a group stage. However, a 2-0 home defeat to Hearts on matchday two was a major disappointment, as they have now gone four UECL home clashes without a win.
However, coming from behind to rescue a point against two-time Italian champions Fiorentina before the loss to Hearts showed RFS’ resilience, and three successive home wins may also help their psyche. Impressively, five of RFS’s last six Virsliga matches have seen them score the opening goal.
Only a win will give RFS any chance of reaching second place in the group – the only place that gives access to the knockout round play-offs – and within sight of leaders Başakşehir, who embark on a nearly 3,000km journey to the Baltics at the top of the Süper Lig. A 2-1 win at home to Ankaragücü put them there and improved their run to just one defeat in 15 official away games (G10, E4).
Given that Başakşehir are one of five sides yet to be beaten in this UECL group stage, high levels of concentration and discipline could prevail, as the club’s quest to improve on its best-ever appearance in a European competition (1/8 finals in 2019/20) takes shape. That also translated into attacking success late in the game, with six of Başakşehir’s seven goals in Group A so far coming after half-time.
Players to watch: Tomislav Šarić scored a first-half hat-trick for RFS against Metta in their 6-0 win at the weekend, while Başakşehir’s Deniz Türüç was the hero on the same day, scoring the decisive goal against Ankaragücü to ensure their last four official away games in which he has found the net have ended in victory.
Weekend stat: Başakşehir have never drawn an away match in a European group stage (G4, P6).
RFS – Basaksehir FREE TIPS
Basaksehir – Win @ 2.25
