Turkish League Previews & Predictions 9: Record stands at 23 Wins 13 Losses heading into the Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce derby

Galatasaray take on Fenerbahce in the Intercontinental derby this week. In the other Istanbul showdown Besiktas take on second-placed Basaksehir.

The current record of our picks stand at 23 wins 13 loss.

Antalyaspor vs Kasimpasa

In all honesty both sides are a mess right now. Staying well clear.

Goztepe vs Alanyaspor 

Goztepe are flying the flag for Izmir and boy have they been on fire. The newly promoted side have gelled sooner than expected and look unstoppable right now – especially at home. Alanyaspor tend to raise their game against the ‘big boys’ but struggle to motivate themselves for so called ‘small’ teams. The home side are being underestimated.

Prediction: Goztepe Win

Osmanlispor vs Karabukspor 

Two of the worst performing sides go head to head on Saturday. This one is a coin flip.

Akhisar vs Genclerbirligi

We have seen this happen so many times over the years. A team like Genclerbirligi beat Besiktas and then get hammered by a weaker side the following week. The Ankara based side do not travel well and Akhisar have actually been in great form. The value is clearly with the Akigolar.

Prediction: Akhisar

Malatyaspor vs Trabzonspor

Expect a big responses from Trabzonspor. They were smashed 6-1 at home last week but do not let the scoreline fool you they have one of the strongest squads in the league and will be out for blood against a poor Malatyaspor side. Take the Draw No Bet for added insurance.

Prediction: Trabzonspor Draw No Bet

Sivasspor vs Bursaspor 

Both sides are in pretty decent form, Bursaspor are the better side on paper but away trips to Sivas are never easy. What really stands out is the number of goals both sides are scoring as well as conceding. The Yigidolar have seen four goals or more in their last four games. Bursaspor’s last five games meanwhile have all gone Over 2.5 goals.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals

Kayserispor vs Konyaspor

We keep waiting for Konyaspor to hit a rich vein of form and for Kayserispor to drop off the pace. This is the wrong time to back either side.

Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce

Besiktas vs Basaksehir

Besiktas responded to last weeks shock defeat to Genclerbirligi by making history in the Champions League. The Black Eagles became the first Turkish side to win their first three group games, beating Monaco 2-0 in France. The reigning Super Lig champions are currently ranked the 5th best team in Europe according to UEFA. In the league they have however, been inconsistent and find themselves eight points behind leaders Galatasaray. The Lions take on Fenerbahce this weekend so there is the possibility of points behind dropped. Besiktas can only focus on the task at hand. Basaksehir have developed a reputation as giant killers and they are currently second. Despite the visitors impressive form I feel the Eagles are about to go through the gears and they do have a full strength squad except for Ryan Babel.

Prediction: Besiktas Win