Istanbul vs. Fenerbahce (Friday, 6.00pm)
© Imago
Round 35 of the 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig kicks off with a clash between Fenerbahce, who are clinging to a slim title hope, and Istanbul Basaksehir, who remain in contention for a European place.
The Yellow Canaries must overturn an eight-point gap on league leaders Galatasaray in their remaining four fixtures, as their title hopes suffered a significant setback following a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to city rivals Besiktas.
We say: Istanbul Basaksehir 1-1 Fenerbahce
Istanbul Basaksehir arrive in stronger form and with greater motivation, having reignited their push for European qualification, but despite Fenerbahce's waning title hopes and lack of urgency, their superior individual quality remains a decisive factor, making a draw the likely result.
> Turkish Super Lig preview: Istanbul vs Fenerbahce
Gaziantep vs. Alanyaspor (Friday, 6.00pm)
© Imago
Gaziantep will look to bring an end to their losing run and edge closer to top-flight safety when they host relegation-threatened Alanyaspor on Friday as the Turkish Super Lig enters its final stretch.
Victory for Selcuk Inan's side could all but secure their survival with four games remaining, while the visitors remain in more urgent need of a result as they sit just a point above the drop zone.
We say: Gaziantep 2-1 Alanyaspor
Only one team has managed to score in each of the last six meetings between these sides, but that pattern could be broken here given both Gaziantep and Alanyaspor have shown no shortage of goals in recent home and away outings, respectively.
The visitors may have held the upper hand in this fixture of late, yet that grip could loosen considering the hosts' strong form on their own patch.
> Turkish Super Lig preview: Gaziantep vs Alanyaspor
Oliver Thomas
