Istanbul Basaksehir, reeling from a heavy defeat in the Istanbul derby, are aiming to get back to winning ways when they face an out-of-form Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig. The match is set for Wednesday evening at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu.
The hosts are looking to close the gap on the European spots. Meanwhile, the visitors are desperate for points to avoid being dragged further into a relegation battle, sitting just above the drop zone.
Basaksehir’s European Push Faces Antalyaspor Test
Basaksehir have made steady progress this season. Manager Nuri Sahin has earned praise for his work since arriving in September.
Sahin inherited a squad that needed rebuilding. The results have been impressive, with the Grey Owls currently sixth in the Super Lig with 42 points from 26 matches, recording 12 wins, six draws and eight defeats.
Basaksehir were among the league’s most in-form teams alongside Galatasaray before their meeting last weekend. However, their momentum was halted by a 3-0 defeat at Rams Park.
The hosts were competitive until the 56th minute when Festy Ebosele was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Goals from Wilfried Singo, Victor Osimhen and Renato Nhaga then sealed the victory for the league leaders.
That defeat marked Basaksehir’s third loss in a big match over the past month – all against top-four opposition. It highlighted that while they are strong contenders for a European place, they still struggle against the very elite sides in the division.
However, they will be confident of bouncing back against Antalyaspor, a team they have not lost to in their last four meetings, winning three and drawing once in that stretch.
Antalyaspor’s Defensive Woes Threaten Top-Flight Status
Antalyaspor’s campaign has been far more troubling. The Scorpions currently sit 15th with 24 points from 26 matches, having recorded just six wins while suffering 14 defeats.
Their struggles were highlighted last weekend when they suffered a 4-1 home defeat to Gaziantep FK. This extended their run without a win to five matches across all competitions.
That loss also continued a worrying defensive trend. Antalyaspor have now conceded in 10 consecutive matches, and they have now allowed 43 goals this season – the third-most in the league.
Their defensive record places their 11-year stay in the top flight under serious threat.
To make matters tougher, they travel to a stadium where they have struggled historically, last winning here back in 2022.
Team News for Basaksehir and Antalyaspor
Basaksehir will be without Ebosele after his red card against Galatasaray resulted in a suspension for this match.
Defender Christopher Operi missed the previous match through inju
Basaksehir will be confident of bouncing back against Antalyaspor.