On December 7, Besiktas will face Fenerbahce at Vodafone Park in a highly anticipated Turkish Super Lig derby. Besiktas is unbeaten in their last seven derby matches, but Fenerbahce claimed victories in both home and away fixtures last season. Who will wave their banner over Istanbul this time?
Besiktas
Besiktas remains one of Turkey’s footballing giants, but last season was underwhelming, finishing sixth in the Super Lig despite securing the domestic cup. Over the summer, the squad was bolstered by the arrival of Ciro Immobile, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst took over managerial duties.
The season started well, including a dominant Super Cup win over Galatasaray, but inconsistent performances in the Europa League and domestic league have since derailed their form. Recent results, such as a 1-1 draw with Hatayspor, led to van Bronckhorst’s dismissal, leaving Besiktas in a state of flux ahead of this derby.
Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce narrowly missed out on the Super Lig title last season, finishing as runners-up to Galatasaray. The disappointment prompted significant changes, including the arrival of José Mourinho as head coach.
Mourinho’s appointment brought high expectations, but Fenerbahce has faced early setbacks, including an exit from the Champions League qualifiers. However, they’ve been in excellent form domestically, winning four consecutive league matches and displaying defensive solidity that could prove vital in this derby.
Players to Watch: Alexander Djiku & Bright Osayi-Samuel
Ghanaian defender Alexander Djiku has been a reliable figure in Fenerbahce’s backline, featuring in 10 league matches this season. Nigerian winger Bright Osayi-Samuel has made seven appearances, showcasing his versatility and impact.
Related article: Alexander Djiku: What is the Defender’s Salary in Fenerbahce SK?
Given Besiktas’s struggles, Fenerbahce’s experienced defense, under Mourinho’s guidance, is well-positioned to keep a clean sheet. 1xBet offers odds of 3 on Fenerbahce not conceding in this derby.
Prediction and Betting Tip
Besiktas has lost four of their last five league matches, while Fenerbahce is on a four-game winning streak. The managerial change at Besiktas is unlikely to yield immediate results, making Fenerbahce the stronger side heading into this clash. A bet on a Fenerbahce win is appealing, with 1xBet offering odds of 1.987.
