Besiktas will be looking to get back on track at Tupras Stadyumu when they host Gaziantep for round 10 of the Turkish Super Lig.
Match Preview
The Black Eagles are determined to extend their four-game unbeaten run in 2023-24, while aiming to continue their year-long unbeaten streak in front of their fans.
Meanwhile, Gaziantep has been showing signs of improvement in recent weeks under Marius Sumudica’s leadership.
Despite their slow start this season, they have won three out of their four games.
However, the visiting side’s recent poor form on the road with four defeats out of five could count against them.
In contrast, Besiktas has only dropped points in five games in the league since September 2022 when Istanbul Basaksehir claimed a 1-0 triumph.
Besiktas is still recovering from their loss to defending champions Galatasaray in the previous round, as well as their defeat against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League last Thursday.
Besides these losses, Hari Vukas’ men are still unbeaten at home.
The new head coach seeks his first win as coach of the 16-time Turkish champions.
On the other hand, GFK’s poor start to the campaign cost Erdal Gunes his job. Since Sumudica’s appointment on September 6, the club has been rising from the bottom.
However, Gaziantep could still slip into the bottom four if they are defeated in Istanbul, and one or both of Basaksehir or Pendikspor claim positive results.
Team news
Besiktas will miss goalkeeper Mert Gunok, who was suspended for Sunday’s match against Gaziantep.
Meanwhile, Vukas’ men are expected to be without the services of Eric Bailly, Umut Meras, Daniel Amartey, Salih Ucan, Emrecan Uzunhan, and Tayyib Sanuc due to injuries.
As for Gaziantep, Ilker Karakas and Albian Ajeti are their only injury doubts at Besiktas; neither of them were expected to start in Istanbul.
Possible starting lineups
Besiktas
Destanoglu;
Rosier, Colley, Uysal, Zaynutdinov;
Fernandes, Hadziahmetovic;
Ghezzal, Chamberlain, Rashica;
Aboubakar
Gaziantep
Nita;
Kizildag, Djilobodji, Nkoulou;
Eskihellac, Soyalp, Jevtovic, Morais;
Markovic, Dragus, Maxim
Prediction:
Besiktas has won all but one league game in Istanbul, while Gaziantep has struggled on the road.
Therefore, another routine victory in front of their supporters is likely for Besiktas against a side that struggles away from home.
- Our prediction: Besiktas 2-0 Gaziantep