The Super Lig got off too an all action start with a total of 34 goals being scored in the opening week – a noticeable increase on the first round last season which saw the net bulge just 21 times.
A wealth of attacking talent joined the league this season and the effects have been felt right from the get go. The 2015-16 league campaign does look like it will be high scoring but it is still early days and a lot could change.
Below is a preview of the second round of games with betting tips.
Kasımpaşa v Başakşehir – Under 2.5 goals
The mini Istanbul derby pitches Kasımpaşa against last seasons surprise package Başakşehir. Kasımpaşa strengthened over the summer bringing in Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo on-loan and kept most of their key players bar Ryan Babel. Başakşehir had the meanest defence last season but Abdullah Avcı’s side leaked in three goals last week which will have concerned him. Both teams were involved in high scoring games last week but it is unlikely that Başakşehir will keep on shipping in goals while Kasımpaşa look much improved defensively this season.
Kayserispor v Konyaspor – Konyaspor -0 Draw No Bet
Newly promoted Kayserispor held Osmanlıspor to a 1-1 draw last week. Meanwhile Konyaspor were also involved in a 1-1 draw against Akhisar. Kayserispor are going to need to adjust to top-tier football. Meanwhile Konyaspor under the management of Aykut Kocaman – who guided Fenerbahçe to the league title – have been developing into one of the best organised sides in the league. It would be a surprise for the Anatolian Eagles to leave Kayseri without a point.
Akhisar v Mersin – Over 2.5 goals
Mersin leaked in five goals against Beşiktaş last week but also posed the Black Eagles a number of problems and Nakoulma did bag a brace. The Mediterranean v Aegean showdown is going to be heated – literally… the temperature will be nearing 40 degrees centigrade – and should result in a few goals.
Beşiktaş v Trabzonspor – Beşiktaş Win
The most highly anticipated game this week is undoubtedly the clash between Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor. The Black Eagles were the talk of the town in the opening game of the season beating Mersin 5-2. Cenk Tosun scored a hat-trick and former Arsenal youth Özyakup got an assist treble. It is worth noting however, that Beşiktaş beat Mersin not Manchester United – a side serving a transfer ban. Trabzonspor will pose a far tougher test. The Black Sea Storm swept Bursaspor aside with a 1-0 victory last week and have strengthened their squad with the likes of Europa League winner M’bia, Hull City striker Dame N’Doye and Lazio fullback Cavanda. The team will however, need time to settle and Beşiktaş are already starting to move up the gears. The Eagles are unlikely to have it as easy as they did against Mersin but should have enough equality to beat this new look Trabzonspor side.
Bursaspor v Gaziantepspor – Bursaspor Win
The Green Crocodiles have dealt remarkably well with having lost just about every key player from last season. The summer exodus saw the likes teenage sensations Ozan Tufan, Enes Ünal, Batur Altıntaş leave while top scorer Fernandao as well as Şener Özbayraklı and Volkan Şen also left. Bursaspor did however, bring in a number of decent additions and are still in better shape than Gaziantepspor who look destined for another relegation struggle.
Eskişehirspor v Sivasspor – Over 2.5 goals
The good as far as Sivasspor were concerned last week was taking a two goal lead against reigning champions Galatasaray. The bad was their second half performance, the ugly was their defending. Eskişehirspor are traditionally always tough to beat at home and are bound to take the game to the Yiğidolar. Sivasspor demonstrated they can score as easily as they can concede in the first leg so expect another high scoring game.
Antalyaspor v Gençlerbirliği – Both Teams To Score
Gençlerbirliği will want to get back to winning ways after a 3-2 loss last week and will not fear newly promoted Antalyaspor. The Scorpions are not a side to take lightly this season especially with Samuel Eto’o in red hot form. Both sides are likely to score against each other.
Rizespor v Fenerbahçe – Fenerbahçe Win
Fenerbahçe have had quite a week. After beating Eskişehirspor in their opening game the Yellow Canaries won their Europa League play-off game and summer signing Robin van Persie scored the winner. The former Manchester United striker may get his first start against Rize but whether he does or not the team are in great spirit and it is difficult being Rizespor putting up much of a fight. Especially considering last weeks brace scoring hero Kweuke had a bizarre bust-up with head coach Hikmet Karaman. Kweuke was dropped afterwards which led local fans to protest the decision by spray painting the strikers name around the city.
Galatasaray v Osmanlıspor – Galatasaray -1 Asian Handicap
Osmanlıspor (Ottomanspor) – from Ankara – travel to the what was the actual the capital of the Ottoman Empire Istanbul to take on Galatasaray. The Lions who were actually founded during the Ottoman era in contrast to Osmanlıspor who were established in the Republican era. Anyway, ironies aside it is difficult seeing anything other than a convincing Galatasaray victory.