Turkish League Previews & Predictions 17: Can Besiktas & Basaksehir get back on track?
The 17th round of the 2017-18 Super Lig season looks set to be one of the most exciting yet as just five points separates the top seven.
Our current record for picks stand at 45 wins 26 loss.
If you want to get in on the action or are looking for new betting sites 2018 we have shared our latest picks below.
Antalyaspor vs Alanyaspor
Avoid!
Bursaspor vs Genclerbirligi
Just when it looked like the Green Crocodiles were going to join the leading pack they went and lost back to back games. Now it is worth noting that both were narrow defeats to the leagues most in form sides Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor. I expect Bursaspor to return with a snap – terrible Croc pun – against a woeful Genclerbirligi side.
Prediction: Bursaspor Win
See More: Club growing faster than Liverpool & Man United on social media eyeing place in Europe’s elite after Champions League success
Sivasspor vs Besiktas
Sivasspor are no pushovers this time of year. Away trips to the central Anatolian plateau will get increasingly more difficult as we enter deeper into winter. It may come as a surprise to some but inland Turkey has very harsh winters. The temperature is starting to dip in Sivas. But I still think Besiktas will get the job done. The Black Eagles removed the break pads agaisnt Osmanlispor last week winning 5-1. The reigning champions will be able to focus fully on the Super Lig until the Champions League Last 16 clash in February.
Prediction: Besiktas Win
Malatyaspor vs Galatasaray
Igor Tudor has not won a derby since taking charge of Galatasaray but he will not need to as long as his side continue to pummel everyone else.
Prediction: Galatasaray Win
Konyaspor vs Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce have won five successive games, closing the gap with leaders Basaksehir to just one point. Not everyone is convinced with the Yellow Canaries playing style at Aykut Kocaman. It is a no frills and not the most aesthetically pleasing football but it is effective. Konyaspor is a trick away trip but the home side are in pretty awful form. Fenerbahce have struggled for goals lately and Konyaspor will be focused on parking the bus. Avoiding defeat will be like a victory for the home side.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
Kayserispor vs Malatyaspor
Malatyaspor beat Galatasaray last week. As so often happens in the Super Lig when a huge upset occurs the team that caused the upset go onto play awful the following game. Kayserispor meanwhile have emerged as the most unlikely of title challengers. They have one of the most promising managers in the league in Marius Sumudica. The home side have value on their side.
Prediction: Kayserispor Win
Karabukspor vs Trabzonspor
The Black Sea Storm keeps growing stronger. Trabzonspor have won five successive games and are closing the gap with the leading back. Expect them to blow a poor Karabukspor aside.
Prediction: Trabzonspor Draw No Bet
Kasimpasa vs Basaksehir
The mini Istanbul derby sees league leaders – it does feel odd writing that – Basaksehir take on their not so successful neighbours Kasimpasa. The visitors simply have too much to offer right now against a stuttering Kasimpasa side.
Prediction: Basaksehir Draw No Bet
Galatasaray vs Goztepe
The Lions have let an eight point lead at the top of the table slip. Galatasaray have lost two of their last three league games, sacked Igor Tudor and called a presidential election. It may sound tumultuous but Fatih Terim is back to restore order. The Emperor as he is known to Galatasaray fans has taken charge for a fourth time. The Istanbul giants are not actually in terrible form. Just a point separates them from the leaders. The current squad will suit Terim. There are big characters and physical players – perfect Terim territory. Expect a raucous atmosphere as Galatasaray. Expect every seat to be filled. The Lions are going to rock the Turk Telekom Arena to welcome Terim. Goztepe could however, be a party pooper. The Izmir based outfit are on a brilliant run having won their last four games. I do not trust the Galatasaray defence. I think Goztepe will score but so will the home side. There will be fireworks, expect a crazy, heated games with a lot of goals.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals