Turkish League Previews & Predictions 7: Record stands at 16 Wins 3 Losses heading into the Besiktas vs Fenerbahce derby

It is derby weekend! Super Lig champions Besiktas take on Trabzonspor in this weeks derby.

The current record of our picks stand at 19 wins 6 loss.

Akhisar vs Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce have started to gel under Aykut Kocaman and have won their last two games including the Istanbul derby against Besiktas last week. Luis Neto and Ismail Koybasi were two casualties from the heated clash. Both players are out suspended which won’t do any good to an already shaky defence. To make things worse Martin Skrtel is injured. On paper the visitors should win this game but I simply cannot trust their defence right now. I do not see Fenerbahce keeping a clean sheet but they should have no problem scoring. The Yellow Canaries last seven games have gone over 2.5 goals.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals LOSS

Osmanlispor vs Kasimpasa

Osmanlispor are in free fall, cemented to the bottom of the table on just one point. Kasimpasa are not exactly flying high right now either but they are a discipline, organised side who should be able to avoid defeat.

Prediction: Kasimpasa Draw No Bet LOSS

Sivassspor vs Antalyaspor

Antalyaspor finally got their first win of the season last week. The management will be please Samuel Eto’o and Samir Nasri put aside their difference to both score in the 3-0 win over Osmanlispor. Sivasspor are not in the best of form. The Scorpions meanwhile are starting to move through the gears and this will be Leonardo’s first match in charge.

Prediction: Antalyaspor Draw No Bet LOSS

Kayserispor vs Bursaspor

We are going to avoid this game as it is simply too close to call!

Galatasaray vs Karabukspor

Igor Tudor takes on his former side Karabukspor on Saturday. Galatasaray are on fire and showed great resolve to come from behind and beat Bursaspor at one of the toughest away fixtures in the league. Expect the Lions to tear Karabukspor limb from limb.

Prediction: Galatasaray -1 Asian Handicap PUSH

Malatyaspor vs Konyaspor

Konyaspor are coming off the back of an impressive Europa League victory and while they are the favourites fatigue could be a factor so we are staying clear of this one.

Alanyaspor vs Genclerbirligi

Two of the most unpredictable sides in the league go head to head so we are just going to sit back and observe this match from a distance.

Goztepe vs Basaksehir

High flying, newly promoted Goztepe take on last seasons Super Lig runners-up Basaksehir. The Izmir based outfit enjoy diehard support from their fans who create a fearsome atmosphere. Basaksehir suffered a shock defeat against Genclerbirligi last week. Are chinks starting to show in the visitors armour? I think it is a little too early to claim there is a crisis. The home side on the other hand have won four games on the trot including a victory over Trabzonspor. We do not see Goztepe losing this one.

Prediction: Goztepe Draw No Bet LOSS

Besiktas vs Trabzonspor

Besiktas lost their first game of the season against Fenerbahce last week but did not let that affect them in the Champions League mid-week. The Black Eagles became the first Turkish side to win their first two games in the competition. The reigning Super Lig champions beat German opposition for the first time in Europe. To conclude, Besiktas will not be dwelling on the derby result. In fact they strongly believe that the defeat was based on poor officiating from Ali Palabiyik who has since been relegated to refereeing second-tier games. The Black Eagles will be without Atiba, Ozyakup and Quaresma who are all suspended after being sent off against Fenerbahce. Luckily for the Istanbul giants they have quality in depth. The likes of Tolgay Arslan, Jeremain Lens, Gary Medel, Gokhan Gonul and Alvaro Negredo are all available. In fact they will be desperate to prove themselves after finally getting a start. Trabzonspor meanwhile are in a tricky situation. Just when they looked like they were getting somewhere they slipped up against Alanyaspor last week. The Black Sea Storm managed to blow a three goal lead against the league minnows and ended up losing the game 4-3. Head coach Ersun Yanal’s job is no longer safe. If they defend in the same manner against this Besiktas side things could get very nasty. I do expect Trabzonspor to raise their game against Besiktas but do not think it will be enough. I expect Besiktas to win but feel they have been priced short.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals WIN