Wednesday 30/07/2014, 17:00, Champions League Qualifiers, Feyenoord vs Besiktas

Feyenoord vs Besiktas Preview

Feyenoord has been anxiously waiting to return to the elite of European football but until recently, the Dutch site didn't have a chance to prove its worth in the Champions League. As a result of finishing second in the domestic championship, they will now be playing in two qualifying rounds and they are expected to have a hard time against Turkish champions Besiktas.

Feyenoord vs Besiktas Odds

At Unibet

Feyenoord 2.10, Draw 3.40, Besiktas 3.40

Feyenoord vs Besiktas Tips

Feyenoord struggled in the second half of the standings for consecutive years, but under Rutten's lead they regained their strength and they are now a tough nut to crack. During the season break, the team lost their most prolific striker, as Italian Pelle was traded to Southampton and the team is yet to find a replacement of equal value.

Playing on the road in Istanbul is going to be a real test for the Dutch team, which makes it even more important to win the first leg. In order to achieve that, they will need to shift into a more aggressive gear, after playing it safe in the last two friendly games. One of those matches ended undecided against Real Sociedad, so it is only fair to assume that Rutten will return to his standard 4-4-2 starting formation.

Immers and Boetius were the second most effective strikers last season and both of them decided to expand their stay in the Netherlands. As a result, they are expected to play tonight and with a combined 22 goals last season, they should be more than a match for Besiktas' rigid backline.

Since the Turkish championship has ended, the team decided to take a long break and play a single friendly game against Wigan. It definitely doesn't help that that single game ended with a narrow margin defeat, while Besiktas scored just once and sent five shots on target.

Key Facts

• Despite playing many Champions League games, the two teams face each other for the first time
• Feyenoord hasn't lost in the last 12 games and won 10 matches over the span.

Feyenoord vs Besiktas Prediction

It is always difficult to trust a team that didn't accomplish much in the last couple of years, but Feyenoord is worth taking a leap of faith. They greatly improved their starting formation since 2013 and their five strikers are now in superb form. Besiktas underwent many transformations, but they are yet to find their rhythm and it is unlikely for the Turks to keep a clean sheet in the Netherlands.

Bet: Feyenoord @ 2.10 with Unibet