Beşiktaş can make this a match of repeated box entries if their press interrupts Palace's first pass. Palace have a genuine escape through Wharton and the wide runners behind advancing fullbacks. The next pass after a regain, rather than possession alone, should decide who gets the better chances. Substitutions can renew the box supply for either side after the break.
Beşiktaş have kept finding the box even after Kökçü's injury, with Miretti already playing substantial minutes in the replacement role. Palace's midfield exit is thinner with Timber, Lerma and Doucouré unavailable, and Brighton showed how a lost first pass can become an immediate chance. Palace regain defensive options with Disasi and Chilwell, while Černý played in Beşiktaş's latest match and Oh has supplied a later finishing route. Beşiktaş can press Palace's first outlet and keep feeding a far-side runner or a second ball as the match develops. That's why I'm siding with Beşiktaş to win.
