Fresh from a huge European night, Galatasaray return to domestic action on Saturday when they welcome Istanbul Basaksehir to Rams Park.
The league leaders edged Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash earlier in the week and will now aim to maintain their four-point cushion at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.
In addition to our Galatasaray vs Istanbul Basaksehir prediction below, check out the rest of today's betting tips.
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Galatasaray vs Istanbul Basaksehir key stats
- Galatasaray have won four consecutive matches across all competitions.
- The Lions are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Basaksehir (W7, D1).
- Both sides have collected 25 points from their last 10 league matches, the joint-best record in the division.
Galatasaray vs Istanbul Basaksehir preview: Momentum with the champions
| Galatasaray | vs | Istanbul Basaksehir |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Position | 5th |
| 61 | Points | 42 |
| 59 | Goals For | 44 |
| 18 | Goals Against | 27 |
| 10 | Clean Sheets | 8 |
| 1st | Home Rank | 7th |
| 3rd | Away Rank | 4th |
Confidence is soaring around Galatasaray after a dramatic European night in Istanbul. Midfielder Mario Lemina proved the unlikely hero against Liverpool, heading home from close range after Victor Osimhen had flicked a corner back across goal.
That narrow 1-0 victory provided Okan Buruk’s side with a vital advantage ahead of the return leg at Anfield and extended their winning run to four matches in all competitions.
Victor Osimhen has been directly involved in 12 goals across his last eight appearances for Galatasaray, scoring five and providing seven assists during that run.
The Istanbul giants had already strengthened their grip on the league summit before that triumph, beating fierce rivals Besiktas 1-0 in the derby thanks to another decisive Osimhen header.
With nine rounds of the Super Lig season remaining, Galatasaray sit on 61 points and remain four clear of closest challengers Fenerbahce.
Their next task, however, will not be straightforward. Basaksehir arrive in excellent form themselves and have quietly been one of the most consistent sides in the league over the past two months.
Indeed, both teams share the best points tally across the last 10 league matches, each collecting 25 points during that stretch, highlighting just how competitive this encounter could be.
This will be third meeting between Galatasaray and Basaksehir this season, with the Lions winning both matches across the league and Turkish Cup.
The visitors most recently secured a valuable 2-1 win over Goztepe, with goals from Omer Ali Sahiner and Ivan Brnic sealing the points.
However, Nuri Sahin’s side have struggled when facing the league’s elite recently, with defeats against Galatasaray, Trabzonspor, and Besiktas in high-profile matches since December.
They now face another stern test as they attempt to close the gap to the European qualification spots.
Both teams have players missing for this one, as Galatasaray will have to cope without Abdulkerim Bardakci, who is also unavailable after receiving a suspension for yellow card accumulation, while Leroy Sane will miss this match through suspension following the red card he received against Besiktas.
Basaksehir will be without midfielder Amine Harit, who remains sidelined with an injury, and Kazimcan Karatas, who is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards.
Galatasaray vs Istanbul Basaksehir form guide & betting tips
| Galatasaray | vs | Istanbul Basaksehir |
|---|---|---|
| W-W-L-W-W | Form | W-L-W-W-W |
| 12 | Points | 12 |
| 1st | Form Table | 3rd |
| 12 | Goals For | 10 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 6 |
| L-W-W-W-W | Form (all comps) | L-W-W-L-W |
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Whispers predicts: Galatasaray 2-1 Istanbul Basaksehir
Both sides arrive in strong form, which suggests this contest could be more competitive than the league table might indicate.
However, Galatasaray’s recent momentum, combined with their impressive record in this fixture and the attacking influence of Osimhen, should give the hosts the edge in what could be an entertaining contest, making Galatasaray to win at 4/7 by Bet365 a solid pick.
However, because the hosts are favourites and both teams have shown great signs in front of goal recently, the real value is in Galatasaray to win & Both Teams to Score, which has been priced at 2/1 odds by Bet365.
Given Osimhen's recent form, you can fancy him to score, and he is priced at 4/5 to score anytime and 10/3 to score first.
> Match result – Galatasaray to win at 4/7 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both Teams To Score – Yes at 4/7 | Likelihood: Possible
> Galatasaray to win & BTTS at at 2/1 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score: 2-1 at 15/2 | Likelihood: Outsider