Turkey League Previews 31: Is this the week Basaksehir win the league? Leaders Besiktas face tricky trip to Bursa
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Kayserispor v Konyaspor
Kayserispor managed to pull together back-to-back victories just when it looked like they could be going down. Another victory would be a gigantic leap towards league safety. Luckily for the Anatolian Stars, Konyaspor are already safe and have no chance of making it to Europe. Relying on Kayserispor is rarely a wise decision but considering Konyaspor are on holiday mode it may just be worth taking the risk.
Kasimpasa v Rizespor
Kasimpasa raised their game against Galatasaray but it would be typical for them to not bother against ‘lesser’ opposition. The Istanbul side have been unpredictable, Rizespor meanwhile have been useless. Stay clear of this one.
Basaksehir v Genclerbirligi
It is no longer a dream. Basaksehir are in the title race with just four games remaining. The Istanbul based outfit are just two points behind Besiktas who they beat 3-1 just a fortnight ago. Genclerbirligi have been woeful on the road this season picking up just 13 points – the worse record in the top half. Several scouts from clubs across Europe including Atletico Madrid will attend the game. Expect Basaksehir players to raise their game knowing that the spotlight is on them.
Prediction: Basaksehir Win
Adanaspor v Trabzonspor
Trabzonspor have stalled over the last few weeks, luckily for them so have Galatasaray so the race for fourth-place is still on. The Black Sea based side have won their last three away games and that is largely based on the fact they are lethal on the counter attack. I see Trabzonspor beating this sorry Adanaspor side with ease.
Prediction: Trabzonspor Win
Fenerbahce v Antalyaspor
The Yellow Canaries somehow find themselves still with a shot of making it to the Champions League this season. It hasn’t been pretty but Fenerbahce have been grinding out results over the past few weeks. The fans may have given up but the team has shown some fight over recent weeks. Antalyaspor will be no pushovers but Fenerbahce have managed to find a way to get the job done over recent weeks.
Prediction: Fenerbahce Win
Osmanlispor v Akhisar
One word… AVOID
Alanyaspor v Karabukspor
Another game no sane man should attempt to predict.
Gaziantepspor v Galatasaray
Gaziantepspor have basically been relegated but Galatasaray are in disarray. The Lions were crushed 3-1 at home by Kasimpasa. The Istanbul giants will have to show some sort of response or could find themselves drop out of the top four and face the prospect of no European football next season.
Prediction: Galatasaray Win
Bursaspor v Besiktas
Bursaspor would like nothing more than to end bitter rivals Besiktas’ title hopes. The Black Eagles are currently first but if they lose, Basaksehir would end the week in first place with a victory over Genclerbirligi. There is however, one small problem… Bursaspor have been abysmal over the past three weeks. The Green Crocodiles have conceded 16 goals in their last three games in the league. Besiktas have stumbled over the last two weeks and will face a raucous atmosphere against Bursaspor. Despite the rivalry I can’t see this Bursa side putting up much resistance with their defensive problems against the most dangerous attacking based side in the league.
Prediction: Besiktas
