Galatasaray take on rivals Besiktas in the Istanbul derby in the Super Lig on Sunday at the Turk Telekom Arena.

The Lions head into the derby clash just three points behind Trabzonspor and Basaksehir who are tied at the top of the table.

That could, however, change by kick-off as the league leaders face each other on the same day.

Galatasaray have a full-strength side to pick from apart from Christian Luyindama who is sideline with a long-term injury.

Radamel Falcao has been the star man for the Lions over recent weeks and has been involved in five goals in his last three games (four goals, one assist)

Besiktas meanwhile, are missing Dorukhan Tokoz who has missed move of the season with injury and Douglas is also sidelined.

The Black Eagles have a few names familiar to followers of Premier League football.

Liverpool loanee Loris Karius is likely to start in goal despite his inconsistent form.

Arsenal loanee Mohamed Elneny is also set to start. The Egypt international has been one of the stand out names in the Besiktas team this season.

Elneny’s form has been so impressive that the Black-Whites are keen on keeping him on loan for an additional season.

But that is enough transfer talk, time to get back to the derby.

Galatasaray have not lost a single league game in 2020, in fact, they have drawn just one and won the rest.

The Lions also happen to have a pretty stellar record against the visitors.

Galatasaray have been winning at half time and full time in five of their last seven home games against Besiktas.

The Lions look a completely different side to the one that struggled over the first half of the season. And the reason for that is a lot of the squad being either on loan or new transfers.

Seri, Lemina, Andone, Onyekuru, Saracchi are all on loan. It just took them a while to settle in.

Besiktas have had a resurgence in form following Sergen Yalcin replacing Abdullah Avci last month.

The Black Eagles could technically get themselves back in the title race with a win.

They are six points behind Galatasaray and nine behind the leaders heading into the derby.

The game will be played behind closed doors due to precautions taken following the coronavirus outbreak.

A derby without fans will be odd and it is difficult to predict how the players will respond.

However, I just don’t see Besiktas putting a stop to Galatasaray. The home side are in great form, have a stronger more balanced side and the most experienced, successful manager in the league with Fatih Terim.

Prediction: Galatasaray Win

READ: Turkey ban fans from all football games due to Coronavirus fears until end of April

Galatasaray vs Besiktas

Stadium: Türk Telekom
Referee: Abdulkadir Bitigen

Kick-Off: 19:00 (Local Time)
Broadcaster: beIN SPORTS HD 1

Galatasaray: Muslera, Mariano, Donk, Marcao, Saracchi, Lemina, Feghouli, Seri, Ömer, Onyekuru, Falcao.
Manager: Fatih Terim

Besiktas: Karius, Gökhan, Ruiz, Vida, Caner, Atiba, Elneny, Boyd, Boateng, Nkoudou, Burak.
Maanger: Sergen Yalçın