Turkish League Previews & Predictions 4: 7 Wins 1 Loss
With the international break finally over we can return to some good old fashioned league action.
The current record starts at 7 wins 1 loss.
Karabukspor vs Besiktas
Karabukspor are notoriously tricky to play at home and had a great record against the Istanbul giants last season beating both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. Oguzhan Ozyakup and Cenk Tosun were both involved in Turkey’s winning goal against Croatia mid-week. Both players will be in high spirits and the Black Eagles will be desperate to keep pace with Galatasaray who have got off to a blistering start. Karabukspor are no pushovers at home so the value is on Besiktas not to lose.
Besiktas Draw No Bet
Sivasspor vs Kayserispor
This is a major regional derby between two sides still finding their feet. Anything could happen! best to avoid this one.
Konyaspor vs Alanyaspor
Alanyaspor have got off to a poor start to the season and are bound to struggle against a Konyaspor not accustomed to dropping points at their intiminating new stadium.
Prediction: Konyaspor Win
Fenerbahce vs Basaksehir
Once upon a time this was a mini Istanbul derby that nobody paid much attention to. Nowadays derby games against Basaksehir are a big deal. Against all the odds Abdullah Avci’s boys finished last season as runners up and reached the Turkish Cup final. If you are thinking they are a one hit wonder, think again. The former minnows have finished in the top four for the past three seasons. Simply put, Basaksehir should not be underestimated. Sevilla almost found that out the hard way, the post prevented Basaksehir from eliminating the Spanish giants from the Champions League playoffs. Fenerbahce are not in high spirits. The transfer window did not exactly go to plan, they were knocked out against Vardar in the Europa League playoffs and have had a poor start to the league.
Prediction: Basaksehir +0.5 (Asian Handicap)
Trabzonspor vs Genclerbirligi
Trabzonspor have a great opportunity to bounce back after a poor start to the season against last placed Genclerbirligi. I expect the Black Sea Storm to put up a title challenge this season. If they are to do so they must win these kind of games.
Prediction: Trabzonspor Win
Osmanlispor vs Goztepe
Goztepe may have just four points but it is worth pointing out they beat Trabzonspor and held Fenerbahce to a draw. The newly promoted Izmir side have actually been very impressive and are being underestimated against a poor Osmanlispor side.
Prediction: Goztepe -0 (Draw No Bet)
Bursaspor vs Akhisar
We are staying well clear of this one!
Antalyaspor vs Galatasaray
Galatasaray have been on fire. Igor Tudor’s physical football has been paying dividends. The Lions have looked stronger, faster and more technical than their opponents. It is worth pointing out that those opponents were Kayserispor, Osmanlispor and Sivasspor. The real test starts now. The Istanbul giants have a tough run of fixtures starting with a tricky away trip to Antalyaspor. The Scorpions have been dogged with internal battles over the international break with Samuel Eto’o threatening to leave. Galatasaray may not run riot on Sunday night but I do not see them losing.
Prediction: Galatsaray Win
Kasimpasa vs Malatyaspor
Wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole!
