Preview: Istanbul Basaksehir vs. Besiktas - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts currently find themselves in the relegation zone, which a defeat having the potential to sink them to the bottom of the division.

Match preview

Istanbul Basaksehir are without a victory in their previous four matches in all competitions, which is something that they need to change as soon as possible.

The hosts for this weekend currently sit 18th in the table and sit six points away from safety, adding pressure into each fixture they play.

Emre Belozoglu's men had a European distraction in midweek when they faced Gent, but the two battled it out to a draw in the first leg of their Europa Conference League.

Stefano Okaka had given them the lead in the 16th minute of the match, but they conceded an equaliser later in the first half as both teams battled out a stalemate in the second half.

Istanbul Basaksehir have been stronger away from home this season which is something that will be concerning as they head into Sunday's fixture, as changing that could be crucial to their survival.

That could be helped by the fact that Besiktas has been weaker on the road in the Super Lig, only winning four of their 11 matches so far this season.

They will be wary of the fact that they are only clinging onto their third-place position by a single point right now, which the visitors will be hoping to change with a win.

However, Besiktas will also want to keep putting pressure on those above them as they very much remain in the title race at the moment.

Besiktas are undefeated in their previous three Super Lig games, with the most recent outing seeing them pick up three points with a 2-1 over Ankaragucu.

Goals from Salih Ucan and Vincent Aboubakar proved to be the difference maker in that one, and continuing their recent run of form could be crucial.

Considering they did not have a European game in midweek, Besiktas do have the benefit of having had more time to prepare for this one, which could prove to be important.

Istanbul Basaksehir Turkish Super Lig form:

W

L

W

W

L

L

Istanbul Basaksehir form (all competitions):

L

W

W

L

L

D

Besiktas Turkish Super Lig form:

W

W

D

L

D

W

Team News

Okaka will be in line to start again this weekend for the hosts considering how impressive he has been throughout this campaign, fresh from scoring in midweek.

Adnan Januzaj and Caner Erkin are another two players who could be in line to feature here, with both of them being January signings who have made a big impact.

Dele Alli was not part of the matchday squad last weekend for the visitors with the former Everton midfielder potentially not being involved once again this time around.

However, another former Premier League star Nathan Redmond will likely retain his position out wide following another impressive appearance in that previous match.

Istanbul Basaksehir possible starting lineup:

Babacan; Sahiner, Leo Duarte, Touba, Caner; Biglia, Karzev, Turuc; Januzaj, Okaka, Gurler

Besiktas possible starting lineup:

Gunok; Rosier, Sanuc, Saiss, Masuaku; Ucan, Fernandes; Redmond, Alli, Haddiahmetovic; Meluka

We say: Istanbul Basaksehir X-Y Besiktas

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