Will Palace Struggle in Turkey? Expert Picks for Today’s UEL Slate

BettingThePitch

Written by: BettingThePitch

Published: Thu Oct 22, 2026, 9:00 am ET

Read Time: 6 minutes

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Another successful couple of days in the Champions League!

We swept yesterday's article plays, finishing a perfect 2-0 with both of our team totals.

Como took care of business against Manchester United with an impressive 4-1 victory. Meanwhile, Arsenal needed a late equalizer from Declan Rice to secure their second goal on the road in Germany.

It wasn't exactly stress-free, but we'll take it!

Now, we're shifting our attention to today's Europa League slate, where I've found a couple of spots I really like.

We're sticking with team totals and targeting two clubs playing in front of their home supporters.

Let's get into the plays!

Head over to our Soccer Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

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Featured Plays

Besiktas vs. Crystal Palace

We're going right back to team totals today, starting with a matchup in Turkey.

I've backed Besiktas quite a bit this season, while Crystal Palace have been a team I've consistently looked to fade.

Now, we get both sides facing each other in a matchup I really like.

Of course, there's a significant difference in quality between the Turkish Super Lig and the Premier League.

However, we've seen plenty of European clubs struggle when traveling to these hostile environments in Turkey.

And trust me, this won't be an easy atmosphere for Palace.

More importantly, the visitors have been extremely poor defensively this season.

Crystal Palace currently rank dead last in the Premier League in expected goals against (xGA).

That's a major concern when preparing to face a Besiktas side that has been excellent offensively at home.

Additionally, Palace conceded three goals on the road against Lyon in their most recent Europa League fixture.

Those defensive struggles have been a recurring theme throughout the season.

Meanwhile, Besiktas have plenty of attacking quality capable of taking advantage.

The Turkish side have dealt with injuries and suspensions recently, which has affected some of their results.

However, I don't think those results accurately reflect how well they've been playing.

They'll be without Orkun Kökçü today, but the rest of the squad should be available.

That's encouraging heading into such an important home fixture.

Besiktas have been outstanding in front of their supporters this season.

They're averaging three goals per home match in domestic competition and have won all four of those games.

That's exactly the type of production I want when backing a team total.

Additionally, they've carried that attacking form into the Europa League.

Besiktas scored four goals at home against Marseille before putting three past Hoffenheim on the road.

That's seven goals through their opening two Europa League matches.

Now, they get a Crystal Palace defense that has struggled to keep opponents from creating quality chances.

I think this is an excellent opportunity for Besiktas to continue their impressive attacking form.

Of course, Palace have the individual quality to make things difficult.

However, their defensive numbers simply haven't been good enough, especially away from home.

Meanwhile, Besiktas have shown they can score against quality European opposition.

With the home crowd behind them, I expect the Turkish side to come out aggressively and create plenty of opportunities.

Ultimately, I think two goals is a very reasonable target for this attack.

At -125, I'm happy to back Besiktas to find the net at least twice.

Play: Besiktas Team Total Over 1.5 Goals (-125)

Celtic vs. Celta Vigo

Can Celtic and company find their first points of the Europa League season today at home?

Our second team total takes us to Scotland.

And I have to say, this price immediately caught my attention.

This feels similar to the Arsenal team total we backed yesterday.

We're getting plus money on a team capable of scoring multiple goals against almost anyone.

However, this time we're backing a club playing at home, where they've been dominant for years.

Celtic have been excellent offensively in front of their supporters this season.

They're averaging nearly three goals per home match, and their most recent performance was another reminder of that attacking quality.

The Scottish champions are coming off a ridiculous 7-1 home victory in the Premiership.

Seven goals!

That's certainly one way to build confidence heading into a European fixture.

However, this match carries even more importance when you look at Celtic's position in the Europa League standings.

They currently sit 34th out of 36 teams and desperately need to start picking up results.

There's still time to turn things around, but they can't afford to keep dropping points.

That's why I expect a strong performance from Celtic today.

They need to be aggressive, take advantage of playing at home, and put pressure on Celta Vigo early.

Of course, the Spanish side won't make things easy.

Celta currently sit eighth in La Liga and have been one of the more difficult teams to break down defensively.

They've conceded just seven goals this season, which looks impressive on the surface.

However, their underlying numbers tell a slightly different story.

Celta have allowed approximately 11 expected goals despite conceding only seven.

That's a four-goal difference between their actual goals conceded and xGA.

More importantly, it suggests their defensive results have been better than the quality of chances they've allowed.

That doesn't guarantee they'll start conceding more goals immediately.

However, it's certainly something I look for when evaluating potential betting opportunities.

Now, they're traveling to face a Celtic attack that has been extremely productive at home.

That's a matchup I find very appealing.

Celtic have the attacking quality to create chances, while Celta's underlying defensive numbers suggest opponents have been getting opportunities.

Additionally, the hosts have plenty of motivation given their current position in the Europa League standings.

I expect Celtic to approach this match with urgency and look to establish control early.

Of course, Celta are a quality opponent, and this won't be an easy fixture.

However, I think Celtic have more than enough firepower to score twice in front of their home supporters.

And at +140, I believe we're getting a great price.

Ultimately, I'm backing the home atmosphere, Celtic's attacking form, and the possibility of Celta's defensive numbers catching up with them.

Give me the Scottish champions to find at least two goals today!

Play: Celtic Team Total Over 1.5 Goals (+140)

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BettingThePitch
BettingThePitch

Just a guy who loves sports, soccer and beating the books!

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