UEFA Champions League

Manchester United Scouting Report: Seven Wins In A Row Boosts Besiktas

But the Turkish champions must overcome their European travel blues.

Nov 25, 2009 6:47:52 AM

Michael Fink - Fabian Ernst (Besiktas) (bjk.com.tr)

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Michael Fink - Fabian Ernst (Besiktas) (bjk.com.tr)

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Besiktas are in red hot form and determined to follow up victory in the Istanbul derby by claiming a spot in the Europa League.

The Turkish champions have traveled to Manchester on a roll. A winning streak in the league was extended to seven at the weekend after a crushing 3-0 victory over bitter rivals Fenerbahce.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s announcement that he will ring the changes in his already-qualified Manchester United side has increased the chance of a smash and grab raid at Old Trafford. Come out on top, and bottom-placed Besiktas can face CSKA Moscow in the final Champions League group meeting with the prize of continued European involvement up for grabs.

Recent form

Derby delight | Besiktas crushed Fenerbahce

If there is ever a good time to travel to Old Trafford, now is the moment for Besiktas. A stunning roll call of wins in the league was topped by a dominant performance on Saturday which has put them back into contention to retain their title.

Table-topping Fenerbache were dismissed with ease as Michael Fink, Bobo and Ugur Inceman got on the scoresheet without reply. This is the boost coach Mustafa Denizli was looking for to push his charges on for the challenge they face.

When Besiktas fell 1-0 to United in the Champions League opener they sat a distant 12 points off the pace. Their upturn in fortune allows them to dream of the result which would open the door to the Europa League.

Away pain

Wolf's roar | Besiktas fell to Wolfsburg last time out

Besiktas’ Inonu Stadium is one the most intimidating grounds in the sport, but they struggle badly without home comforts.

A shocking record on the road in Europe has seen them win just one match in 14, conceding 38 goals in the process. This run included an embarrassing 8-0 defeat to Liverpool on their last visit to the north west of England.

United’s 23-game unbeaten streak at home is a considerable obstacle to mount. Fail to rise to the challenge and Besiktas can forget third spot.

They say

The boss | Denizli is a highly decorated coach

Mustafa Denizli, Besiktas coach: “As a coach I'd almost prefer to be able to set up my team knowing we'll be against the Manchester United first-choice team, with more familiar players that we in Turkey know more about. Besiktas will go out with our own game plan, but our future is not just in our hands.

“It all depends on how we do and what other teams do too. Our aim is to always go as far as possible in Europe. United's approach is that they want to win every game regardless of the position they're in.

“They may have already qualified but they'll want to win, because that's what United always strive to do.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager: “We're in a good position, we have qualified. It's always an issue whether it makes a difference finishing first or second in the group, but we'll try to be number one.

“We will be playing some of the younger players but we're not sure about formation just at the moment, we're still looking at analysis of Besiktas.

“Their form has been transformed in the last six [league] matches, they have won them all and on Saturday they beat the top-of-the-league side 3-0 so they're in very good form.”

Matt Monaghan, Goal.com

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