Besiktas will be looking to extend their unbeaten run when they host Gaziantep in the Turkish Super Lig. In round nine, the Black Eagles were defeated by Galatasaray. The reigning league champions also won three straight games on the road.
Preview (Besiktas vs. Gaziantep)
Besiktas has had a dismal few days after losing to Gala the previous weekend and to Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the Europa Conference League on Thursday. After Senol Gunes was fired at the beginning of October, the latter was Hari Vukas’s first game in control of the Istanbul-based team. In order to extend Besiktas’ current four-game unbeaten streak in 2023–24 and their year-long undefeated record in front of their supporters, the new head coach hopes to build on the team’s strong home performance in the league. Since Istanbul Basaksehir won 1-0 in September 2022, Besiktas has lost five straight games. It gives the hosts optimism that they can finish undefeated on home soil in November.
Even though they still have to work for it, a home game provides Vukas with the positive circumstances he needs to record his first victory as the 16-time Turkish champions’ coach. Gaziantep, on the other hand, had a difficult time getting going this season after withdrawing from the 2022–23 league due to the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria. But recent performance indicates a positive trend. In the last four game weeks, the visiting team has won three of this season. GFK’s dismal start to the season cost Erdal Gunes his job. Since his appointment on September 6, the team has improved, much to the credit of Marius Sumudica.
Even though one or both of Basaksehir or Pendikspor claim victories, Gaziantep might still finish in the bottom four if they lose in Istanbul. However, Sumudica’s team is in a stronger position than they were a few weeks ago. Despite their end-of-September 2-1 triumph against winless Samsunspor, their inability to generate positive results away from home (four defeats in five) may count against the league’s 16th-placed team.
Team News
After receiving a red card against Galatasaray, Mert Gunok will miss Sunday’s match against Besiktas due to suspension. With Umut Meras, Daniel Amartey, Eric Bailly, and Salih Ucan set to be out for the home team, Vukas will have to deal with a number of injured absences. With their ACL injuries, Emrecan Uzunhan and Taiyyib Sanuc are unlikely to make a quick recovery.
The only injury concerns for Gaziantep against Besiktas are Ilker Karakas and Alban Ajeti. Neither was anticipated to start the game in Istanbul. For GFK, only Denis Dragus has scored more than once this season. In order to move up the standings, they need to get more from their attackers. Besiktas has won every league match played in Istanbul save one. They will probably come out on top against a team that has trouble traveling.
Besiktas 2 – 0 Gaziantep
For more football previews, click here
