Besiktas and Hradec Kralove will meet at Tupras Stadium on Thursday evening, as the two sides continue their 2026/27 UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie.Besiktas returns to Istanbul with a 1-0 aggregate lead after Semih Kilicsoy scored the winner in the first leg in the Czech Republic.Verdict: Besiktas to winBest odds: 31/100Bookmaker: 1xBetBesiktasBesiktas is in a strong position. They won the first leg 1-0 away from home, kept another clean sheet and now get to finish the tie in Istanbul.That gives them a lot of control. They do not need to chase the match, and they do not need to take unnecessary risks from the start. One more goal would make the situation very difficult for Hradec Kralove.The first leg also showed something important. Besiktas played with 10 men after Kassoum Ouattara was sent off, but they still found the winner late in the match. That should give them confidence because they won without playing the perfect game.Their defensive record in Europe is very strong so far. Besiktas has played three Europa League qualifiers this summer, won all three and has not conceded a goal. That makes the home win the safest pick, even if the odds are short.The match setup should also help them. Hradec has to be more aggressive now, and that should leave more space than in the first leg. Besiktas has enough quality to punish that, especially if Hradec starts taking risks early.Besiktas Team NewsKassoum Ouattara is suspended after his red card in the first leg. That forces at least one change for Vincenzo Italiano.Leandro Trossard is not eligible to play after joining from Arsenal, so Besiktas cannot use him in this tie.Wilfred Ndidi returned from injury in the first leg and could push for a bigger role. His presence would help Besiktas control midfield, especially if Hradec tries to press higher.Semih Kilicsoy should be involved after scoring the winner last week. Orkun Kokcu, Vaclav Cerny and Hyeon-gyu Oh are also expected to be important in attack.Hradec KraloveHradec Kralove is not out of the tie, but they missed a big chance in the first leg. Besiktas went down to 10 men, and Hradec still could not find a goal.That will frustrate them because they had moments. They created enough to make Besiktas uncomfortable, but the final touch was missing. Against a stronger team, those missed chances usually become expensive.The positive is that Hradec responded well in the league. They beat Banik Ostrava 2-1 at the weekend, with Tom Sloncik scoring twice. That should help the mood before the trip to Istanbul.The problem is the aggregate score. Hradec now has to attack, and that changes the match completely. A patient, low-risk approach is not enough because they need at least one goal to force extra time.If they open up too early, Besiktas will get space. That is the biggest issue for the Czech side. They need to score, but they cannot turn the match into a running game because Besiktas has more speed and quality in the final third.Hradec Kralove Team NewsHradec Kralove is not expected to have major injury issues, so David Horejs should be able to name a strong lineup.Tom Sloncik should be important after scoring twice against Banik Ostrava. Hradec needs players who can make the most of limited chances, and his weekend performance should put him in line for a key role.Mick van Buren is another important attacking option. He scored in both legs against Tromso in the previous round, and Hradec will need his experience in Istanbul.Vladimir Darida should also be central to the plan. Hradec needs control and smart passing from midfield because they cannot just attack without structure.Besiktas vs Hradec Kralove key factors to considerBesiktas leads 1-0 from the first leg.Semih Kilicsoy scored the only goal in the Czech Republic.Besiktas won the first leg despite playing part of the match with 10 men.Besiktas has won all three Europa League qualifiers this season without conceding.Hradec Kralove beat Tromso 4-1 on aggregate in the previous round.Hradec beat Banik Ostrava 2-1 at the weekend.Kassoum Ouattara is suspended for Besiktas.The winner will face Kauno Zalgiris in the Europa League playoff round.ConclusionHradec Kralove can make this interesting if they score first. They created chances in the first leg, and they have enough confidence after beating Banik Ostrava at the weekend.The problem is that the match situation suits Besiktas. Hradec has to attack, while Besiktas can stay controlled and wait for spaces. If the Turkish side scores first, the tie will probably be finished.Besiktas is not an exciting price, but the pick makes sense. They have the lead, they are at home, they have kept three clean sheets in three European qualifiers, and Hradec now has to take more risks.The home win is the best selection.Verdict: Besiktas to winBest odds: 31/100Bookmaker: 1xBetThe post Prediction: Besiktas vs Hradec Kralove appeared first on SoccerNews.