Başakşehir vs Inter Turku - UEFA Europa Conference League

The UEFA Europa Conference League returns to the home ground on July 22, 2026, where Başakşehir and Inter Turku will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

There is little to choose between Başakşehir and Inter Turku on paper, and the UEFA Europa Conference League encounter should reflect that balance. When a side is winning 66.67% of their matches and posting WLLDL in their last five, as Başakşehir have, the conversation shifts from form to silverware. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. But the Reds are still unsure about Bologna's asking price for the defender, who turned 28 in June and has less than 12 months to run on his contract at the Serie A side.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Başakşehir favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Inter Turku are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. That radar allows City to retain control, momentum and possession in games, pinning opponents back in the tempered style Guardiola favoured.

The fixture boasts genuine star quality. With K. Behrens topping the UEFA Europa Conference League scoring charts at 6 goals, the stage is set for the kind of individual brilliance that can swing a contest. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Hull's owner has said the deal to sign winger Leon Bailey from Aston Villa in a permanent transfer is close to being done, while they are also pursuing defender Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano and midfielder Mert Komur from Augsburg.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the UEFA Europa Conference League table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.