Turkish League Previews 1: Can Besiktas be stopped?

And were back! The Turkish Super Lig 2017-18 season kicks off this weekend with last terms runners-up Basaksehir taking on a Bursaspor side in disarray.

As it is the first week we would urge caution! The opening round of games is notoriously unpredictable but here it goes.

Basaksehir vs Bursaspor

Basaksehir are one of the few sides in the league who are ready to rumble. Abdullah Avci’s men made light work of Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers and we do not see Bursaspor putting up much of a fight tonight. The once upon a time Istanbul minnows have strengthened with the signings of Elia, Gael Clichy and Chedjou but did lose 20-year-old wonder kid Cengiz Under to Roma for €15 million. Not that it will matter a whole lot. Basaksehir are a machine executing Avci’s system.

Basaksehir Win: WIN

Genclerbirligi vs Karabukspor

Would not touch this game with a barge pole!

Akhisar Belediyespor vs Sivasspor

Or this one!

Alanyaspor vs Kasimpasa

With Vagner Love in ending last season in red hot form and neither side capable of defending well we expect to see goals in the Mediterranean!

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals WIN

Goztepe vs Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce are going to need some time to settle under Aykut Kocaman. This may look like an easy win to the Yellow Canaries against a newly promoted side but I would be careful with this one.

Trabzonspor vs Konyaspor

Trabzonspor are my dark horses this season, it is their 50th year anniversary and they have no European competition distractions. To top it all off they have actually built a pretty strong team that has gelled together under Ersun Yanal. Konyaspor may have won the Super Cup last week but I’m going for the Black Sea based outfit to whip up a storm.

Prediction: Trabzonspor Win WIN

Yeni Malatyaspor vs Osmanlispor FK

Avoid!

Besiktas vs Antalyaspor

Antalyaspor will be no pushovers but Besiktas are quite simply on fire. After wining back to back league titles, signing Pepe, Negredo, Lens, Medel and crashing social media with the #ComeToBesiktas hashtag it is safe to say spirits are high. There is a great vibe around the Besiktas camp and among the fans right now.

Prediction: Besiktas Win WIN

Galatasaray vs Kayserispor

On paper Galatasaray have a squad capable of winning the league. My only problem is Mr Tudor! he is going to have to prove himself in charge first.

No bet!