The 23rd round of the 2017-18 Super Lig season is about to kick off.
Our current record for picks stand at 55 wins 47 loss.
Akhisar vs Konyaspor
Both sides have shown signs of life over recent weeks but remain too unpredictable to back.
Galatasaray vs Bursaspor
Bursaspor have been horrendous in 2018. Galatasaray lost their second successive away game last week. The Lions cannot afford to drop points at home anymore with the title race hotting up. The Istanbul giants have won 12 of their last 13 home games – drawing the other. Bursaspor have been poor but as they showed against Besiktas they are capable of raising their game in big matches. The home side are favorites but the Green Crocodiles are unpredictable. I’m going for goals.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
Kayserispor vs Kasimpasa
Kayserispor have lost their way over recent weeks but are still a very tricky side to face at home. It would be a Super Lig classic to see Kasimpasa underperform after beating Galatasaray last week. So often mid-table sides lose focus after a big win.
Prediction: Kayerispor -0 (Draw No Bet)
Alanyaspor vs Trabzonspor
Trabzonspor have not scored in their last three games. The Black Sea Storm have drawn five and lost one of their last six matches. If the visitors do not start showing some resolve they can forget about getting anywhere near a top-four spot. I expect Trabzonspor to respond against an Alanyaspor side who have lost their last three games.
Prediction: Trabzonspor -0 (Draw No Bet)
Osmanlispor vs Antalyaspor
Stay well clear of this one.
Goztepe vs Sivasspor
Expect Goztepe to bounce back at home against a Sivasspor side that have not won in their last five away games.
Prediction: Goztepe Win
Besiktas vs Fenerbahce
The one everyone has been waiting for. The Istanbul derby will determine Besiktas’ season. Another loss could see the reigning title holders spiral out of control. The Black Eagles were given a wakeup call after being smashed 5-0 against Bayern Munich. All is not well in the Besiktas camp. Fenerbahce are not without their problems either. The Yellow Canaries have been getting result but the fans are not exactly over the moon about Aykut Kocaman’s style of play. It is not exactly the most breathtaking football being put on display but it is effective.
Besiktas will be without star attacking midfielder Anderson Talisca who is suspended. To make matters worse Pepe is also out. The Black Eagles will have to make do without two of their most in-form players.
Fenerbahce meanwhile are without Vincent Janssen, Martin Skrtel, Roberto Soldado through injury and Hasan Ali Kaldirim is suspended. The visitors have shown resilience despite having a depleted squad.
The form book goes out the window in derby games. I cannot emphasize enough just how important this game is to Besiktas. A loss will be difficult to recover from in terms of points and psychologically. The Black-Whites are three points behind Fenerbahce and five behind leaders Basaskehir. Additionally, a lot of tension has been building between these two teams. Poaching players off each other, a war of words between high ranking club officials and controversial recent derby games make this a potential gunpowder keg ready to explode with the slightest spark.
Fenerbahce will not be too disappointed with a point. The owness is on Besiktas to get all three points and despite all frailities they remain strong at home.
Prediction: Besiktas -0 (Draw No Bet)
