Turkish League Previews & Predictions 10: Record stands at 24 Wins 18 Losses heading into the Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce derby
Galatasaray take on Trabzonspor in this weeks big derby. In the other Istanbul showdown Besiktas take on second-placed Basaksehir.
The current record of our picks stand at 24 wins 18 loss.
Genclerbirligi vs Malatyaspor
Coin flip! Best to avoid this one.
Basaksehir vs Akhisar
Akhisar have been one of the surprise teams this season but we are not sure how long they can keep this up. Basaksehir are a methodological machine who have started cranking up the gears. The once-upon-a-time Istanbul minnows are currently second in the league and we would not be surprised to see them dispatch of the visitors.
Prediction: Basaksehir Win
Alanyaspor vs Besiktas
Besiktas have yet to win any of their last four league games. To make matters worse Caner Erkin just picked up a four match ban – much to the annoyance of the fans. The Black Eagles are not actually playing bad. Three of their last four games have come against Fenerbahce, Trabzonspor and Basaksehir – some of the toughest teams on the fixture list. It is worth pointing out that the Istanbul giants have won all three Champions League Group G games. Alanyaspor pose a threat with Vagner Love scoring goals for fun but I get the feeling Besiktas are going to send a message to the rest of the league on Saturday.
Prediction: Besiktas Win
Konyaspor vs Osmanlispor
It is rarely ever wise to try and predict a game in which two of the worst teams in the league are going head to head. Avoid!
Karabukspor vs Sivasspor
Sivasspor are in decent form but have not beat Karabukspor in their last five visits. The home side meanwhile have lost five of their last six games. Best to leave this one.
Bursaspor vs Antalyaspor
Two sides on the rise but both suffering from being wildly inconsistent other that the fact their games tend to go Over 2.5 goals. Antalyaspor’s last four games have gone Over 2.5 goals, Bursaspor meanwhile have scored 16 times and conceded 13 goals.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
Trabzonspor vs Galatasaray
Trabzonspor have been in freefall despite having a squad that on paper could challenge for the top four. Galatasaray meanwhile sit top of the table and have yet to lose this season. It is worth underlining this game will have a derby atmosphere. Do not pay too much attention to the form book. Trabzonspor may be in poor form they have already played Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Basaksehir this season and avoided defeat. The home side will be no pushovers and as Igor Tudor demonstrated against Fenerbahce last week he is happy to park the bus in big games.
Prediction: Galatasaray Win / Draw (+0.5 Asian Handicap)
Fenerbahce vs Kayserispor
Fenerbahce are difficult to read other than the fact they have no problem scoring or conceding. They are overwhelming favourites at home but have slipped up in games nobody expected them to. Kayserispor have been no pushovers this season either. The Yellow Canaries last four games have gone Over 2.5 goals as have their last four matches against the visitors.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals