Preview: Galatasaray vs. Besiktas - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, have the chance to claim consecutive victories after thrashing Umraniyespor 5-2 last weekend.

Match preview

Galatasaray are currently in fifth place with one point separating them from Besiktas, although they do have one game in hand over their rivals.

Last weekend, they managed to end a three-game winless run in the Turkish Super Lig, as goals from Emre Tasdemir and Juan Mata guided them to a 2-0 away victory over Fatih Karagumruk.

Sitting five points adrift of league leaders Fenerbahce, Okan Buruk's side will at the very least be looking to maintain that gap as they attempt to record consecutive victories.

After winning three and drawing one of their last four competitive home games, Galatasaray will certainly be confident of picking up all three points on Saturday.

They will also take inspiration from the fact that they have the third-best defensive record in the league after conceding only nine goals in their games.

Meanwhile, Besiktas sit one place ahead of Galatasaray and they will attempt to move four points clear of their rivals with a victory on Saturday.

Senol Gunes has recently returned for a second spell as Besiktas head coach after replacing Valerien Ismael, who was sacked following a 2-1 defeat to Hatayspor.

The new boss began his latest stint at the club in impressive fashion, guiding his side to a commanding 5-2 win over Umraniyespor, thanks to Cenk Tosun and Wout Weghorst who both scored two goals apeice, while Tayyib Sanuc also got on the scoresheet.

After recording a comfortable home win last weekend, Besiktas will now look to continue their impressive away record after losing only one of their five away matches.

As well as their away form, Besiktas can rely on their goalscoring prowess after registering 25 goals in their 12 league games, with Fenerbahce the only Turkish Super Lig side who have found the net on more occasions.

Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig form:

W

W

D

L

D

W

Galatasaray form (all competitions):

Besiktas Turkish Super Lig form:

D

D

W

D

L

W

Team News

Yusuf Demir and Kazimcan Karatas both returned to training during the week, but they may not be fit enough to feature in Saturday's contest.

Sacha Boey missed the win over Fatih Karagumruk through suspension, but he could be brought back into the side for the derby.

Despite coming off the bench to score last weekend, Mata is unlikely to be given a place in the starting lineup, with Buruk expected to keep changes to a minimum.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of Atiba Hutchinson and Rachid Ghezzal due to injury issues.

After coming off the bench at half time against Umraniyespor, Nathan Redmond could be brought into the starting lineup to replace Dele Alli.

Weghorst has top-scored for Besiktas with six league goals this season, and the Dutchman will look to add to his tally when he leads the line on Saturday.

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:

Muslera; Boey, Bayram, Nelsson, Tasdemir; Oliveira, Torreira; Rashica, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi

Besiktas possible starting lineup:

Gunok; Rosier, Sanuc, Saiss, Masuaku; Ucan, Souza, Fernandez; Tosun, Redmond, Weghorst

We say: Galatasaray 2-1 Besiktas

After winning four of the last five home meetings with Besiktas, we think Galatasaray will edge out their rivals to claim the derby bragging rights.

Previews by email