Galatasaray beat Besiktas 2-0 in the Istanbul derby at the Turk Telekom Arena to remain top of the Super Lig table but there is still everything to play for in the title race.
Despite the victory, just four points separate the top four. Basaksehir are just a single point behind Basaksehir, followed by Fenerbahce and Besiktas.
Galatasaray fans celebrated in the streets after beating the reigning champions but it is way too early to get carried away.
I take a look at the title chances of all four contenders.
Galatasaray
It really is Galatasaray’s to lose at this point. The Emperor as he is known by Lions fans, Fatih Terim, has been here, done that, sent the postcard. The former Turkey national team boss already has six Super Lig titles under his belt. His team however, are not nearly as experienced.
The Istanbul giants take on Akhisar away, followed by Malatyaspor at home and then a tricky trip to Izmir to face Goztepe.
The problem Galatasaray have is they are not very good on the road. They may be imperious at home but it is a different story away. If the league was determined on away form, the Lions would be 5th. Luckily for them, it is not. Unfortunately for them, they do have two away games. And that is exactly why this title race is not over yet.
I do not see Terim’s boys cruising past Akhisar and Goztepe. Both sides will offer stiff opposition. There could be yet another twist.
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Basaksehir
Basaksehir have scored seven goals in their last two games putting to bed rumors that they are feeling the pressure. The Istanbul minnows have two home games against Sivasspor and Kasimpasa which they should be able to take care of. The banana skin could be Antalyaspor. The Scorpions will be at home and desperate for points considering they are not safe from relegation just yet.
Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce have won their last five league games scoring 17 goals in the process. The Yellow Canaries also have two home games and one on the road. Bursaspor will be no pushovers on the weekend. Karabukspor are bottom of the table so if Aykut Kocaman cannot get his side to win a lot of questions will be asked. Konyaspor on the final day could throw up a surprise considering the Anatolian Eagles are still involved in a relegation battle.
Besiktas
Besiktas have to hope all three sides drop points – actually Galatasaray would have to drop points twice – if they hope to defend the league title for a third successive season. The Black Eagles take on Kayserispor at home, Osmanlispor away and Sivasspor at home on the final day. All they can do is win their final three games and hope. There will be less pressure on the team as nobody expects them to lift the title anymore but second-place is up for grabs and would bring Champions League football.
