One of the most heated rivalries in the Turkish Super Lig is this week as Besiktas look to extend their lead over Galatasaray. The match is scheduled for Monday at Vodafone Park with a kickoff at 8 pm.
In just nine games, Besiktas have taken the fourth position in the league table, being on the brink of European football and earning their fans much belief and hope. However, they will face a tough task against one of their greatest rivals Galatasaray – the sixth team – at home on Monday evening.
Besiktas are hoping to advance into the knockout stages of the Champions League but have struggled to show high levels of individual play. A tough group alongside Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, and Sporting Lisbon will mean the fans will need to see some impressive performances to make it through.
Besiktas to make several changes ahead of their crucial clash with FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League. The Turkish side was guilty of a terrible start in their last outing that saw them lose 4-1 to Sporting, followed by reports that their manager Senol Gunes is on the chopping block.
On the other hand, Galatasaray manager Roberto Mancini will be looking at a number of his players to step up and deliver a strong performance against the Ukrainian side as the Turkish giants look for success in this season”s Europa League.
Besiktas vs Galatasaray Head to Head
Both sides have 34 games against each other with Besiktas taking 12 wins while Galasaray with 16 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Besiktas 1-4 Sporting CP
- Basaksehir 3-2 Besiktas
- Besiktas 2-1 Sivaasspor
- Ajax 2-0 Besiktas
- Altay 2-1 Besiktas
Away
- Lokomotiv Moscow 0-1 Galatasaray
- Galatasaray 1-0 Konyaspor
- Galatasaray 3-3 Istanbulspor
- Caykur Rizespor 2-3 Galatasaray
- Marseille 0-0 Galatasaray
Besiktas Team News
Besiktas have deemed Mehmet Topal, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and Atiba Hutchinson unfit to play on the injury front. The trio is suffering from muscle problems. After being rested for the final preparations, Marco Tumminello is the only new recruit to start with Faouzi Ghoulam back in the squad.
Galatasaray Team News
Galatasaray has no new injury concerns ahead of this match. Marcao misses this fixture through suspension, meaning that Semih Kaya, who has been in good form when called upon in the Turkish league and Champions League, will continue in defense.
Prediction and Odds
It is a tough match to call, but we feel both coaches will aim to put strong defenses rather than attack.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 2.5
