Turkish League Previews & Predictions 27: Can Besiktas end Trabzonspor’s unbeaten run?
Genclerbirligi v Antalyaspor
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With Trabzonspor playing Besiktas, Antalyaspor could potentially end the weekend in 5th place. Genclerbirligi have been notoriously unpredictable this season but I can see them struggling to hold out Samuel Eto’o.
Prediction: Antalyaspor Draw/Win (Double Chance)
Gaziantepspor v Alanyaspor
Stay well clear of this one!
Trabzonspor v Besiktas
The most in form side of 2017 Trabzonspor take on league leaders Besiktas. The Black Sea Storm are always a difficult away clash and to make matters worse for Besiktas they are unbeaten this year.
Besiktas face a question mark over whether Fabri will be available in goal. If Tolga Zengin is drafted in as goalkeeper it would be a humongous blow for the visitors. Zengin has a habit of botching things up in big games.
The fantastic four will be available to Besiktas and it really is difficult seeing Trabzonspor keep out Quaresma, Talisca, Babel and Cenk (Aboubakar).
Saying that Trabzonspor have a few weapons of their own with 20-year-old starlet Yusuf Yazici and 23-year-old midfield maestro Okay Yokuslu.
Trabzonspor also have the best defensive record in Europe this year having conceded just three goals.
The Black Sea based side have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last nine games.
It could end up being a case of whether Trabzonspor have the discipline to hold out against the most formidable attack in the league.
I do not see Besiktas losing but a draw would not be a surprise.
Prediction: Besiktas Draw/Win (Double Chance)
Kayserispor v Osmanlispor
Another game best avoided!
Adanaspor v Rizespor
Bottom of the table clash between two absolutely hopeless teams.
Fenerbahce v Akhisar
It is imperative that Fenerbahce build up a decent run of results with Antalyaspor and Trabzonspor breaking down their neck for the all important 4th place spot. The Yellow Canaries really should not have much trouble dismantling an out of form Akhisar side at home. Then again they really should not be in 4th place with the squad they have.
Prediction: Fenerbahce Win
Basaksehir v Galatasaray
This fixture used to be so insignificant most people would forget it is actually a derby. This season however, the minor Istanbul derby has become a major one. This is potentially a season defining game for both sides. A Basaksehir win would move them seven points clear of Galatasaray and should Besiktas lose to Trabzonspor they would be reduce the gap with the leaders to two points. Galatasaray meanwhile would move just one point behind 2nd placed Basaksehir with a win.
Basaksehir are undefeated in their last 18 home games and will be no pushovers. The fact of the matter is Galatasaray are being priced short solely based on their name. Galatasaray have been unpredictable under Igor Tudor but you can guarantee they will be physical and set up to avoid defeat.
Prediction: Basaksehir Draw No Bet
