Turkish League Previews & Predictions 25: Can Basaksehir catch Besiktas?
Adanaspor v Akhisar
Would not touch this game with a barge pole!
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Trabzonspor v Galatasaray
The most in-form team in the league Trabzonspor take on a Galatasaray side going through a revolution under Igor Tudor. The former Juventus manager has implemented a harsh training regime that the players are trying to get to grips with. The Lions have shown a marked improvement over the past few games but it is difficult seeing them take all three points from a Trabzonspor side desperate to close the gap with the top four.
Prediction: Trabzonspor Draw No Bet
Genclerbirligi v Rizespor
Both sides have been pretty abysmal lately. This game poses no value at all, literally anything could happen.
Basaksehir v Karabukspor
Basaksehir have closed the gap with leaders Besiktas to just two points. Abdullah Avci’s boys have looked unstoppable lately and Emmanuel Adebayor has started scoring. Karabukspor meanwhile have lost their last five away games in the league.
Prediction: Basaksehir win
Bursaspor v Alanyaspor
Bursaspor have picked up four points from their last two games to put an end to a dismal run of form. Alanyaspor meanwhile have been absolutely dreadful away from home this season. Playing Bursaspor away is difficult at the best of times…
Prediction: Bursaspor win
Antalyaspor v Besiktas
The game of the week sees a rampant Antalyaspor side looking to close the gap with 4th placed Fenerbahce who suffered a shock home defeat against Konyaspor on Friday. League leaders Besiktas meanwhile will be in high spirits after progressing to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. It is worth pointing out that the Black Eagles dropped points after their last European game. The Istanbul giants do not have a deep squad and have struggled with the heavy match traffic recently due to not having a particularly deep squad.
Both sides have their star players available. Samuel Eto’o is likely to start for Antalyaspor while the fantastic four of Quaresma, Babel, Talisca and Aboubakar (Cenk Tosun) are available for Besiktas. The Eagles will however, be without Marcelo and Cenk Erkin in defence.
Eight of Antalyaspor’s last 10 league games have gone Over 2.5 goals and I cannot see them keeping a clean sheet against Besiktas. Likewise I cannot see Besiktas holding out against the Scorpions. There will probably be goals but the Eagles cannot afford to drop anymore points and have what it takes to dig in for at least a point.
Prediction: Besiktas +0.5 Asian Handicap