Prediction: Galatasaray vs Besiktas

Verdict: Galatasaray win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet

With the Turkish Super Cup up for grabs on Saturday night, Galatasaray and Besiktas will meet at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

Galatasaray

Starting with Galatasaray, making real history last season as they got their hands on a first domestic crown since 2019, the Turkish giants embarked on a stunning fairytale. Gaining a string of plaudits from across the continent and with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the Lions will be confident of laying down an early statement of intent on Saturday night. Signing off the 2023/24 campaign with a thumping 3-1 victory away at Konyaspor on May 26th, Okay Buruk’s men will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off a couple of months ago. In fact, on what was a record-breaking flurry, the Istanbul-based outfit won 18 of their final 19 Super Lig appearances last season. Remarkably putting 102 points on the board, Galatasaray should be relishing a return to competitive action this weekend.

Team News

Completing what was a hugely controversial move to Galatasaray this summer, former Fenerbahce striker Michy Batshuayi should make a competitive debut this weekend. However, recording 25 Super Lig strikes last season and claiming Turkey’s Golden Boot, Mauro Icardi will lead Buruk’s attack here.

Despite turning 38 last month, veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will start between the sticks as he starts his 14th consecutive campaign in Istanbul. Despite continued speculation over a potential Premier League switch, Turkey international Baris Alper Yilmaz will play some part on Saturday night.

Besiktas

As for Besiktas, while the Black Eagles might have eventually dragged themselves to a top-six finish last season, they largely struggled to find any kind of fluidity. Signing off the 2023/24 campaign with a 2-1 defeat away at Kasimpasa on May 26th, new boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has some real work to do behind the scenes in Istanbul. Despite claiming a real boost as they were crowned Turkish Cup champions thanks to an action-packed 3-2 victory against Trabzonspor, they could only muster a trio of wins from any of their final eight appearances across all competitions. Likewise, gaining an unwanted reputation for their struggles on the road, Besiktas should also be concerned by a downbeat record against their local rivals. Including a 2-0 loss when they last met Galatasaray on March 3rd, they have lost four of their previous five battles.

Team News

Snapping up Italy international Ciro Immobile this summer following a reported €3million deal with Lazio, the 34-year-old should make his full competitive debut on Saturday night. Likewise, arriving on a free transfer last month, one-time Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista should play some part here.

Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues continuing on from last season, the Black Eagles will once again be without the duo of Amir Hadziahmetovic and Croatia international Ante Rebic this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Galatasaray and Besiktas last met back on March 3rd, the Lions collected a 2-0 victory against their local rivals.
• In fact, Galatasaray have won four of their previous five appearances against Saturday’s opponents across all competitions.
• The defending Turkish champions remarkably won 18 of their final 19 Super Lig appearances last season.
• Besiktas signed off the 2023/24 campaign by winning just a trio of their final eight appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, the Black Eagles could only record a single victory from any of their final nine top-flight showdowns on the road.

Conclusion

Breaking a string of records last season as they were crowned Turkish champions for a 24th time, Galatasaray will be confident of making an early statement here. Remarkably winning 18 of their final 19 Super Lig appearances during the 2023/24 campaign and receiving a string of plaudits, the Lions are rightfully seen as a standout contender this weekend. Landing a routine 2-0 win when they last met Besiktas back on March 3rd, we are expecting a similar outcome.

Verdict: Galatasaray win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet