Besiktas vs Galatasaray: Super Lig Preview

Besiktas: Current Form & Key Concerns

Besiktas, under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have hit their first major rough patch of the season, losing consecutive league games after a promising nine-match unbeaten run. Their recent struggles have followed a similar pattern, with the Black Eagles dominating possession but failing to capitalize when presented with numerical advantages.

A 2-1 loss to Gaziantep, despite playing against 10 men for the final 13 minutes, was followed by a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Konyaspor, where Besiktas controlled 66% possession but failed to score despite their opponents being reduced to 10 men from the 27th minute.

Their recent friendly against Istanbulspor during the international break ended in another disappointing 3-1 defeat, raising further questions about their attacking efficiency. Now sitting in fourth place, Besiktas are level on points with fifth-placed Eyupspor, who have played one extra game.

Injury Concerns:

• Felix Uduokhai, Emrecan Terzi, Emir Yasar, and Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov remain sidelined with injuries.
• Necip Uysal is still out with a long-term injury, expected to return in April.
• Goalkeeper Mert Gunok is carrying a minor knock and will be assessed before kick-off.
• Ciro Immobile is struggling for form, with his last open-play goal coming back in mid-January.

Galatasaray: Current Form & Key Concerns

By contrast, Galatasaray are flying high at the top of the Super Lig, boasting a comfortable nine-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce. Their impressive form continued before the international break with a dominant 4-0 victory over Antalyaspor, a result that was made even sweeter by Fenerbahce’s goalless draw against Samsunspor.

The star of the show has been Victor Osimhen, whose hat-trick against Antalyaspor took his tally to 20 goals for the season, establishing him as the league’s top scorer. The Nigerian striker maintained his fine form over the international break, scoring three goals in two matches for his country.

However, Okan Buruk will be mindful of the hectic schedule ahead, as this derby clash is followed by a crucial Turkish Cup quarter-final against arch-rivals Fenerbahce. Nonetheless, the visitors will draw confidence from their narrow 1-0 victory on their last visit to Vodafone Park, which came courtesy of an Al-Musrati own goal.

Injury Concerns:

• Mauro Icardi remains out with a long-term cruciate ligament injury.
• Ismail Jakobs continues to struggle with an Achilles issue.
• Yunus Akgun is also unavailable due to injury.
• Despite these absences, Victor Osimhen is fit and firing, ready to lead the line for Galatasaray.

Head-to-Head Record & Stats

• Besiktas will be determined to avoid a third straight league defeat, something they have not experienced this season.
• Galatasaray emerged victorious in the previous encounter, winning 2-1 at home.
• The visitors have scored the most goals in the Super Lig this season, largely thanks to Osimhen’s prolific form.
• Besiktas have been struggling to find the net consistently, with Ciro Immobile enduring a dry spell in front of goal.

What to Expect

With both teams having much at stake, this edition of the Istanbul derby promises to be a tense, high-stakes affair. Besiktas will be desperate to bounce back from their recent poor form and reclaim their place among the top contenders, while Galatasaray will look to extend their lead at the summit of the table.

The home crowd at Vodafone Park will surely be a factor, but whether it can help Besiktas overcome their current struggles remains to be seen. On the other hand, Galatasaray's firepower, led by Victor Osimhen, will pose a serious threat to Besiktas’ shaky defense.

This clash could prove pivotal in the title race and the race for European qualification, making it a must-watch encounter for Turkish football fans.