Turkish League Previews 32: The title race hots up, will Besiktas or Basaksehir slip up?
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Galatasaray vs Osmanlispor
The Lions have been wildly inconsistent over the past few weeks but they can smell blood. Last weeks victory over Gaziantepspor closed the gap with third placed Fenerbahce to three points. Their bitter rivals are still in shock after being knocked out of the Turkish Cup in a gruelling game against Basaksehir mid-week. Galatasaray have lost their last two home games but this is were it stops. Osmanlispor are already in holiday mode, they may try to raise their game against Galatasaray or may not bother. Regardless, they are likely to struggle tonight.
Prediction: Galatasaray Win WIN
Rizespor vs Gaziantepspor
Do yourself a favour, don’t even go there.
Kayserispor vs Adanapsor
Kayserispor have won their last three games and are not safe. Adanaspor have been relegated. This is another game best avoided.
Antalyaspor vs Bursaspor
Antalyaspor have an outsiders chance of a top-four finish. Bursaspor meanwhile are sinking like a rusty anchor to the bottom of the ocean. The Green Crocodiles have lost their last four games but are fortunately still eight points above 16th placed Rizespor. The visitors have thrown in the towel this season and have shipped in 18 goals in their last four games.
Prediction: Antalaspor Win WIN
Besiktas vs Kasimpasa
Besiktas have seen their lead at the top of the table cut to just three points after a rocky three weeks. This is on paper an Istanbul derby but one of the less intense ones without all the flares and fighting. I do not expect Besiktas to roll over Kasimpasa. I predict a tough game here. The visitors beat Galatasaray away just a fortnight ago and will be no pushovers. I still think Besiktas will win but would not go too heavy on this one.
Prediction: Besiktas Win WIN
Konyaspor vs Karabukspor
Avoid!
Trabzonspor vs Basaksehir
Who would have thought a game between these two sides would ever be the game of the week. Well it is. Trabzonspor could still finish in the top-four, Basaksehir meanwhile have a league title to win. The former Istanbul minnows have won their last four games, crushing Besiktas and beating Fenerbahce along the way. Trabzonspor will be no pushovers at home but the oddsmakers continue to underestimate the visitors. Basaksehir are the most well disciplined – on the field anyway – organised and dangerous counter-attacking side in the league.
Prediction: Basaksehir Win/Draw (Double Chance) WIN
