Prediction and odds for the game: Galatasaray (19/20) v Besiktas (11/4)
We are backing the home win
When: Sunday 15th March 2020, Kick-off 4 PM
Where: The Turk Telekom Stadyumu
On Sunday afternoon, Galatasaray host Besiktas in what could be a massive Istanbul derby, with both teams currently competing for the European places in the Turkish Super Lig.
Galatasaray
The home side has been on a good run of form of late, which has taken them to third place in the Turkish top-flight. While their current position is good enough for a place in next season’s Europa League, Gala are also just three points adrift of league leaders Trabzonspor.
Fatih Terim’s team are currently unbeaten in nine matches in the Turkish top-flight. A 2-2 draw at rivals Sivasspor last time out ended an eight-game winning run in the league for the home side.
Galatasaray have been lethal in front of goal of late in the Turkish top-flight, scoring at least twice in eight of their last nine matches. Talking of goalscoring, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao has enjoyed a new lease of life in Turkey this season, scoring nine times in just 13 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig. The Colombian is the home team’s top scorer this season.
The Lions have won their last five home games in the Turkish Super Lig, while also scoring at least two goals in five of their last six league matches.
Besiktas
The visitors head to their capital rivals six points outside the European spots in the Turkish Super Lig. Their recent form has been slightly inconsistent in the league, but they have at least won four of their last six matches in the Super Lig. Last time out, they recorded a 2-1 win over Ankaragucu at Vodafone Park.
Like the home side, the visitors have certainly been producing the goods going forward, as they have scored at least two goals in five of their last six league outings.
Veteran forward Burak Yilmaz has played a key role in their attacking play, netting 11 goals in his 19 league appearances. Only four players in Super Lig has scored more goals than the 34-year-old this season.
Besiktas have been wildly inconsistent on their travels this season in the Turkish top-flight. For example, Sergen Yalcin’s team has won two of their last three away games in the Super Lig, but have lost the other three. Their recent away matches in the league have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in five of their last six matches on their travels.
Conclusion
This is a massive derby game, which could have big implications on both teams’ fortunes at the top of the table. Both have been in good form and firing in front of goal too. However, we are backing Galatasaray to edge this encounter, while also backing over 2.5 goals scored.
Verdict: We are backing the home win at odds of 19/20 and/or the over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 8/11.
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Who will win this big Istanbul derby?
