Turkish rivals Istanbul Basaksehir and Besiktas face-off against each other this weekend, with the two clubs heading into the clash level on points in the Super Lig standings. In what is undoubtedly the most anticipated tie of the round in the top-flight, many are predicting fireworks when the two giants of Turkish football meet on Sunday afternoon.
Turkish Cup – Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium, Istanbul – Sunday 18th March – 16:00 UK Time
Istanbul Başakşehir vs Besiktas Match Preview
Istanbul Basaksehir take on rivals Besiktas in the Turkish capital this weekend, with both teams hoping to narrow the gap on league leaders Galatasaray with what would be a huge three points. With only goal difference separating the duo in the standings, it promises to be a close encounter on Sunday afternoon, with predictions proving difficult ahead of kick-off. For those looking to place a bet on the clash, be sure to check out our top tip below. However, let’s start by taking a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Istanbul Basaksehir Team News & Form
The home team come into this weekend’s clash off the back of a surprising 4-1 defeat away at Alanyaspor, with manager Abdullah Avcı undoubtedly looking for a major response from his team as a result. The title is still a distinct possibility for the hosts, however the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy and Arda Turan must show their experience at such a crucial time. Istanbul have lost five matches in the Super Lig so far this season, scoring 45 goals from their 25 matches.
Besiktas Team News & Form
Besiktas were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich following a 3-1 defeat in midweek, however the visitors are unbeaten in their last five Super Lig outings ahead of kick-off this weekend. In fact, Besiktas have lost just three matches in the Turkish top-flight so far this season, conceding just 22 goals from their 25 matches to date. Manager Şenol Güneş will undoubtedly be going all-out for victory in Istanbul this weekend, with the likes of Pepe, Ricardo Quaresma and Alvaro Negredo offering both skill and experience across the pitch.
Head to Head
The two teams have played 20 times in the past, with both teams having four wins to their name each, as well as drawing a massive 12 of such outings. However, the last time the two clubs met in Istanbul, Basaksehir came out on top by a scoreline of 3-1.
Istanbul Başakşehir vs Besiktas Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite their status as the home team this weekend, it is the hosts who are the narrow underdogs for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Istanbul can be backed for victory at best odds of 12/5 with bookmaker Ladbrokes, while those looking to bet on an away success for Besiktas can take advantage of odds of 5/4 on the same platform. Elsewhere, given the fact that the two teams are on the same number of points ahead of kick-off, a draw is also worth considering this weekend, with Coral offering a price of 21/10 on such a market.
Istanbul Başakşehir vs Besiktas Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes, with odds of 4/6 available at William Hill.