The second major derby of the season kicks off this weekend between Trabzonspor and Galatasaray. Not a derby in the traditional sense but considering the rivalry and both clubs status as one of the traditional top four this is always one of the most highly anticipated games in the footballing calendar.
Eskişehirspor v Kasımpaşa: Under 2.5 goals
Kasımpaşa suffered their first loss of the season last week but still have the joint best defensive record in the league having conceded just two goals this season. The Istanbul based side will make it very difficult for EsEs to get on the scoresheet but the home side are undefeated at the Atatürk stadium. This could end in a deadlock; expect a low scoring game.
Trabzonspor v Galatasaray: Over 2.5 goals
The most highly anticipated game of the week sees league leaders Trabzonspor take on reigning champions Galatasaray. The Lions have got off to a poor start picking up just five points so far this season culminating with a 1-1 draw against last placed Mersin last week. Galatasaray boss Hamza Hamzaoğlu is under mounting pressure and will be without captain Selçuk Inan through suspension. Trabzonspor will be tough to break down with only Fenerbahçe and Kasımpaşa having conceded fewer goals this season. Worringly for their rivals, they’ve also started to gel in the final third. Galatasaray can never be underestimated but Trabzonspor will be no pushover especially at home. Picking either side to win is risky but it could end up being a high scoring game considering the attacking wealth both sides have.
Gaziantepspor v Kayserispor: Kayserispor Draw No Bet
The Falcons have got off to a poor start to the season and have lost both their home games this season and sit in 13th place after a poor start to the league campaign. Newly promoted Kayserispor suffered their first loss this season last week but remain undefeated on the road. Kayserispor will be difficult to break down and have only conceded two goals away from home this season, while Gaziantepspor have scored just the once.
Fenerbahçe v Bursaspor: Over 2.5 goals
The Yellow Canaries defence was exposed midweek against Molde in the Europa League losing 3-1 at home. Fenerbahçe have the chance to make amends to the home faithful against Bursaspor tomorrow. The Green Crocodiles won their first game of the season last week but the victory just covered the cracks. Bursaspor sold just about all their key players from last season – four of which joined Fenerbahçe. The Green Crocodiles have brought in decent reinforcements but they will need more time to gel. Fenerbahçe will be favourites but if they defend as they did against Molde they will struggle to keep a clean sheet. Expect a high scoring game.
Gençlerbirliği v Beşiktaş: Beşiktaş Win
Beşiktaş are the in-form team right now in the league and can’t stop scoring. The Black Eagles have 12 goals already this season – more than any other club. The Istanbul giants will be in high spirits after beating Skanderbeu in the Europa League group stages midweek. Gençlerbirliği are have already lost three games this season and it would not be a huge shock if they suffered their fourth defeat against the Eagles.
