Stoke Home Form Likely To Be Too Strong For Besiktas

Stoke come into this match on the back of a great result against Man Utd and despite being kept busy so far this season with twelve competitive matches so far Stoke have been defeated just the once and have so far performed well in the Europa League. Besiktas will be used to the opposition being the team intimidated by the atmosphere at their ground but it could be Besiktas who are the intimidated ones this time with Stoke's fans at the Britannia Stadium often recognised as the twelfth man.

 

Stoke will continue to field a very strong line up in the Europa League with Tony Pulis recognising it as an opportunity rather than a hinderance. Peter Crouch is likely to start having scored the equaliser against Man Utd last week, he could be joined in attack by Jonathan Walters. Mamady Sidebe is nearing a return after more than a year out with an achilles injury, the Malian won't feature here but instead is likely to play in a reserves match. Kenwyne Jones remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury whilst Jonathan Woodgate is likely to be rested.

 

Stoke continue to be very strong at home, their league matches have come against Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd and they have managed to pick up five points from those games. Besiktas are not in the class of any of those three teams and have already been beaten in one of their two domestic away games already. Stoke are a decent price to win this game and with home advantage a huge factor for Stoke they should be backed to win this match.