Besiktas and Marseille reveal probable line-ups for Europa League opener

Besiktas will host Marseille on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 19:00 GMT as both clubs begin their Europa League league-phase campaigns. Here is a look at the expected starting line-ups for the match.

Besiktas

The Istanbul side had two days off at the weekend, giving the squad additional time to recover before the meeting with Marseille. That freshness could prove valuable in a fixture expected to test both teams.

Vincenzo Italiano’s coaching staff have also placed particular emphasis on set pieces during preparations. Their work in that area has continued alongside an approach that has already been well received, leaving the mood around the Turkish club positive.

The main concern for Besiktas is the confirmed absence of Ridvan Yilmaz.

The expected Besiktas line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Nubel

Defenders: Kassoum Ouattara, Topcu, Emmanuel Agbadou, Murillo

Midfielders: Ozcan, Trossard, Kokcu, Junior Olaitan

Forwards: Fakili, Vlahovic

Marseille

Marseille could face a demanding evening defensively, particularly because the team will be without Geoffrey Kondogbia and Tochukwu Nnadi. Their absences leave the French side short of players able to disrupt opponents’ transitions, a weakness that could be exposed further in European competition.

Genesio is aware of the challenge, with the campaign expected to require regular adjustments from his team.

The expected Marseille line-up is:

Goalkeeper: De Lange

Defenders: Emerson, Nayef Aguerd, Egan-Riley, Timothy Weah

Midfielders: Paixao, Maupay, Keyliane Abdallah

Forwards: Amine Harit, Tadjidine Mmadi, Amine Gouiri

Besiktas and Marseille will meet in the opening round of the Europa League league phase, with both sides looking to start their European campaigns with a positive result.

The pre-match betting prices rate Besiktas as the more likely winners. A victory for the home side is priced at 1.74, while a draw is listed at 4.00 and a Marseille win at 3.90.