Jean-Philippe Mateta makes first Crystal Palace start since opening day as Sage changes three for Besiktas

Jean-Philippe Mateta makes his first Crystal Palace start since the opening day of the season as Pierre Sage changes three players for Thursday’s Europa League trip to Besiktas.

Dwight McNeil and Axel Disasi also come into the starting XI following Sunday’s 5–0 defeat at Brighton. Jørgen Strand Larsen, Quinten Timber and Honest Ahanor make way.

Palace’s team announcement confirms Mateta’s return to the starting side, with the striker having appeared as a substitute at the Amex.

Mateta leads the attack as McNeil comes in

Mateta starts with McNeil and Yeremy Pino providing support, while Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton are selected in midfield.

Anan Khalaili and Tyrick Mitchell retain their places on the flanks. Disasi joins Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot in defence, with Walter Benítez continuing in goal.

The changes give Palace a different attacking combination after they failed to score at Brighton. At the other end, Disasi returns to a defence that conceded five times on Sunday.

Palace seek a response after eight goals conceded

Palace arrive in Istanbul following successive defeats at Lyon and Brighton, conceding eight goals across those two matches.

That defensive record has increased scrutiny on Sage. Our report on the Palace manager’s position examines the situation following the derby defeat.

The immediate task is to prevent a third consecutive loss while making Mateta’s return count. Besiktas include Leandro Trossard, Wilfred Ndidi and Hyeon-gyu Oh in their starting side.

Besiktas vs Crystal Palace confirmed XIs

Crystal Palace: Walter Benítez, Chris Richards, Axel Disasi, Jaydee Canvot, Anan Khalaili, Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell, Dwight McNeil, Yeremy Pino, Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Besiktas: Nübel, Bulut, Djaló, Akdağ, Ouattara, Ndidi, Yılmaz, Miretti, Fakılı, Trossard, Oh.

Kick-off is 8pm BST on Thursday 22 October. Our Besiktas vs Crystal Palace viewing guide has the UK television and streaming details, with updates in our Europa League live coverage.