The traditional big three Istanbul sides will want to forget last weeks antics. Beşiktaş lost 2-1 at home to Trabzonspor, Fenerbahçe drew 1-1 with Rizespor and Galatasaray were defeated 2-1 by newly promoted Osmanlıspor. There is however, one Istanbul side celebrating; Kasımpaşa moved into first place after beating Gençlerbirliği and keeping their second clean sheet in the process.
Gençlerbirliği v Kasımpaşa – Kasımpaşa -0 (Draw No Bet)
The Ankara based side are in disarray. Gençlerbirliği president İlhan Cavcav who became the scorn of beard aficionados after banning his players growing facial hair sacked manager Stuart Baxter after just two games in charge. Kasımpaşa meanwhile have had a brilliant start to the season winning both games and keeping a clean sheet in both. It would be a surprise for the Istanbul minnows to leave Ankara without a point considering the turmoil their opposition find themselves in.
Başakşehir v Bursaspor – Başakşehir -0
Both sides were battling it out for European football last season however, neither side has managed a single point this season. Bursaspor look worse for wear after losing just about every key player over the summer. Başakşehir have been a little unlucky and I expect them to get back on track here.
Konyaspor v Galatasaray – Galatasaray Win
Galatasaray are under immense pressure after losing to newly promoted Osmanlıspor at home last week. The Lions faithful are disappointed with the lack of transfer activity this season and failing to win a single game this season has just made a bad situation worse. The Istanbul giants are however, the reigning champions and have shown character over the past four seasons when put in tough situations. Expect Hamza’s boys to send a message out to the rest of the league in Konya.
Mersin v Kayserispor – Kayserispor -0
Mersin have lost back-to-back games, cannot make transfers due to a ban and look in a bad way right now. Newly promoted Kayserispor are playing organised, defensive football and have managed to carve out two draws in two games. The Anatolian Stars would be pleased with another away point on from their trip down to the Mediterranean coast.
Trabzonspor v Akhisar – Trabzonspor Win
Trabzonspor have added a lot of quality to their ranks over the summer. Europa League winner M’bia, Lazio’s Cavanda, Hull City striker N’Doye, Dynamo Kiev defender Douglas, Chelsea winger Marin among others have made what was an already strong squad contenders for the top two. The Black Sea Storm have won both opening games against tough opposition in Beşiktaş and Bursaspor; in short Akhisar should not prove to be too much of an obstacle.
Eskişehirspor v Rizespor – Over 2.5 Goals
Eskişehirspor put four past Sivasspor last week and Kwueke cannot stop scoring for Rizespor. EsEs like to put on a treat for the home fans as Rizespor demonstrated against Fenerbahçe they have plenty of bite. Expected a high scoring game.
Sivasspor v Osmanlıspor – Sivasspor Win
Osmanlıspor may have beat Galatasaray last week but it would be a surprise for them to keep pulling off these kind of results based on how they have been playing. Sivasspor have lost their first two games but have more than enough quality to bounce back.
Fenerbahçe v Antalyaspor – Over 2.5 goals
Fenerbahçe have a wealth of attacking options and a great home record. In all honestly anything other than a convincing home win would be a surprise but the Yellow Canaries have looked slightly shaky at the back and Samuel Eto’o is in red hot form. The odds on a home win are a little short but the Over 2.5 odds look pretty decent and their should be goals in this game.
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