Besiktas vs Galatasaray: Crunch clash in Istanbul Derby could see massive shake-up in league table

January 17, 2021 By Michelle Bonsu

Topics: TV Schedules, Beşiktaş, Galatasaray, Turkish Super Lig

Turkish Super Lig fans will be in for a treat this Sunday as two of Turkey's biggest teams square off, with a place at the top of the table at stake.

Preview: Beşiktaş vs Galatasaray

A mouth-watering clash awaits as "Big Three" rivals Beşiktaş and Galatasaray prepare to do battle on Sunday. Not surprisingly, the top three spots are occupied by these two teams, with fellow "Big Three" side Fenerbahçe sitting in between the two sides. The hosts come into this game unbeaten in their last five Super Lig matches, albeit their four game winning streak came to an end as they were held to a two-all draw with Hatayspor. Notably, that also marked the first time the Black Eagles conceded in the Super Lig since losing 2-1 to Alanyaspor back on December 13th.

However, Beşiktaş have a very excellent record so far on home turf. The hosts have not only won their last six home ties, but also have kept a clean sheet in their most recent four. In addition, they have won their last three against upcoming visitors Galatasaray and naturally, with just two points separating the two sides, they will want to make that four in four this Sunday.

Meanwhile the visitors, who have won three of their last five games, come into this tie having recorded a resounding 6-0 win over Genclerbirligi. They will, however, be missing key players, including first-choice shot stopper Fernando Muslera, who has returned to training but isn't match fit. Another absentee includes striker Radamel Falcao, who will have to be replaced up front by back-up option Mbaye Diagne. To complicate matters, Galatasaray have struggled for goals when it comes to facing Beşiktaş - as they've been shut out in five of their last seven meetings across all comps.

Still, with Beşiktaş dropping points recently, and more important, finally conceding, Galatasaray will certainly be hopeful that their frustrating run will end on sunday. Moreover, historically, they have won 124 of their prior 347 meetings - although Beşiktaş aren't too far behind with 111 to date.

Team news: Beşiktaş vs Galatasaray

Beşiktaş: Welinton is banned - other from that the hosts will have everyone available.

Galatasaray: The visitors will be missing Sofiane Feghouli, Omar Elabdellaoui, and Radamel Falcao due to injuries, while goalkeeper Fernando Muslera isn't yet ready to feature here due to a lack of match fitness.

Match facts: Beşiktaş vs Galatasaray

This will be the 348th meeting featuring Beşiktaş vs Galatasaray
Galatasaray have won the most ties so far - 124, while Beşiktaş have been victorious on 111 occasions (114 draws)
Beşiktaş have won their last six home games in the Super Lig
They've also kept clean sheets in their four most recent home clashes
Beşiktaş have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches against Galatasaray in all comps