Galatasaray will aim to protect their nine-point lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig when they face fierce city rivals Besiktas in Saturday’s highly anticipated Istanbul derby.
While Galatasaray are currently well clear at the summit, they will be seeking revenge for their 2-1 defeat against Besiktas earlier this season.
Besiktas are facing their first significant dip in form since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival, having suffered consecutive league defeats following a previously impressive nine-match unbeaten run. Both recent losses followed a familiar pattern, with the Black Eagles dominating possession against Gaziantep and Konyaspor, but failing to make the advantage count despite playing against ten men for extended periods in both matches.
A 3-1 friendly defeat to Istanbulspor during the international break did little to lift spirits. With pressure mounting, Besiktas, currently fourth, are now level on points with fifth-placed Eyupspor, who have played a game more.
Matches against Galatasaray rarely lack intensity, but Besiktas will be desperate to avoid a third straight league defeat for the first time this season. Solskjaer may also have one eye on the upcoming Turkish Cup quarter-final against Goztepe in midweek.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, returned to winning ways with a commanding 4-0 victory over Antalyaspor before the international break, extending their advantage at the top after Fenerbahce were held to a goalless draw.
Victor Osimhen, who netted a hat-trick in that win, has now scored 20 league goals this season, leading the race for the Golden Boot. Okan Buruk’s side will, however, need to balance their focus, with a crucial Turkish Cup semi-final against Fenerbahce just days after the derby.
Galatasaray secured a narrow 1-0 win on their last visit to Besiktas’ ground and would welcome a similar result as they look to edge closer to the league title.
Besiktas will be without Felix Uduokhai, Emrecan Terzi, Emir Yasar, and Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov due to injuries, while captain Necip Uysal remains sidelined with a long-term issue. Goalkeeper Mert Gunok is a doubt and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.
Italian striker Ciro Immobile will be hoping to rediscover his form, having not scored from open play since mid-January.
Galatasaray remain without Mauro Icardi, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Ismail Jakobs and Yunus Akgun are also unavailable.
Victor Osimhen, who also impressed with Nigeria during the international break, is expected to lead the line once again for Buruk’s side.
