Turkish League Previews & Predictions 4: Tottenham striker set to make first start, Can anyone stop Senol Gunes the dragon slayer?
With the international break finally over we can return to some good old fashioned league action.
The current record starts at 11 wins 3 loss.
Malatyaspor vs Bursaspor
Too unpredictable, not even going to go there.
Galatasaray vs Kasimpasa
Galatasaray take on Kasimpasa in one of the lesser Istanbul derbies. The Lions were held to a draw, dropping points for the first time this season away to Antalyaspor. Despite sections of the fanbase and pundits having a meltdown, a draw on the road to the Scorpions is not actually a bad result. Galatasaray will be fired up to beat their cross-city rivals at home after slipping up last week. The Istanbul giants are scoring goals for fun and are bound to come out firing.
Prediction: Galatasaray HT (Winning by half-time) WIN
Akhisar vs Karabukspor
Nothing would surprise me in this game so no play from us.
Osmanlispor vs Sivasspor
This is a crapshoot between two of the worst performing sides in the league.
Basaksehir vs Trabzonspor
This is without a doubt the game of the week. Trabzonspor youngster’s Abdulkadir Omur and Yusuf Yazici were the talk of the town last week after a tremendous performance. Basaksehir meanwhile just beat Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracaoglu for the first time ever. The home side are undefeated in their last 24 home games. Trabzonspor are not to be underestimated, they have goals in them but can just as easily concede. The Istanbul based outfit meanwhile have a reputation as a defensive side but they are no longer content with sitting deep and playing counter attacking football. The Basaksehir of today play possession based, attacking football. Expect there to be goals!
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals WIN
Goztepe vs Genclerbirligi
The newly promoted Izmir side have been excellent this season. Goztepe have already held Fenerbahce to a draw and defeated Trabzonspor. Genclerbirligi are in for a very tough game away from home. Goz Goz are being underestimated by the bookmakers.
Prediction: Goztepe Win WIN
Alanyaspor vs Fenerbahce
On paper Fenerbahce are clear favourites but something is not quite right in the team right now. Aykut Kocaman needs time to get his team to gel. In the meantime the Yellow Canaries continue to ship in soft goals. Kocaman will have on-loan Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen available and he is expected to make his first start alongside ex Spurs man Soldado. Expect there to be a lot of goals on Sunday.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals WIN
Besiktas vs Konyaspor
Besiktas will be in high spirits after becoming the first Turkish side to beat Porto – the Dragons, hence the title – in European competition. It was also the first time the Black Eagles won their opening Champions League group stage game. The Istanbul giants are currently on another level to their opposition and they would like nothing more than putting the same Konyaspor that beat them in the Super Cup to the sword. Expect Besiktas to show no mercy against an out of form Konya side.
Prediction: Besiktas -1 (Asian Handicap) WIN