Two teams out of form at different ends of the table meet tomorrow in Istanbul as Ankaragücü travel to Basaksehir. The hosts who are 3 points behind leaders Galatasaray haven’t won in their last 4 games, while Ankaragücü who are fighting relegation have only won 1 of their last 7.
Başakşehir were so far ahead of the rest of the pack last month, that it looked like it was going to be 3rd time lucky as they bid to win their first ever Super Lig title. Like the last two seasons they have completely capitulated and are in danger of missing out for a third successive season.
At the other end of the table, Bursaspor, Erzerumspor and Goztepe have all started winning games and Ankaragücü are now only 4 points clear of the relegation zone with 3 games running. A win tomorrow would almost certainly secure the clubs place in the Super Lig next season.
Some good news for Mustafa Kaplan ahead of tomorrow’s match as both Thiago Pinto and Stelios Kitsiou are fit and will replace Mehmet Sak and Cebrail Karayel. Djedje is still out with injury and is set to miss out.
Ankaragücü were unlucky last week not to take all 3 points against Rizespor after a disgraceful refereeing decision late on wrongly gifted them a penalty which saw them share the points. If the team are to take anything from the match they will need a repeat of the second half performance which saw a higher intensity and better use of the ball in the final 3rd of the field.
Tyler Boyd and Dever Orgill will again be key for Ankaragücü with both having a quiet couple of games as teams have started paying more attention to the duo.
Basaksehir have a host of talent in their side with the likes of Edin Visca, Robinho, Elia, Adebayor, Emre, Arda Turan all experienced quality players. However it looks like either age is starting to take its toal, or they are lacking the mentality to get the team over the finishing line. With an ageing squad, this could be the last ever chance of winning the Super Lig for many of the squad.
The Istanbul side have always been solid at the back, and have had a lot of success in attack at periods of this season. But only 2 goals in their last 4 games gives Abdullah Avci some concern for the final 3rd of the pitch.
With a crowd of less than 4,000 expected it could give Ankaragücü a much needed boost as the travelling support have sold out their allocation again which takes away the usual home advantage in Turkish football.
Good luck to Ankaragücü and our brothers from Scotland Rangers in the derby tomorrow. A win for both teams will be a great Sunday.
Agreed Nadeem. Ankaragucu really must take something from this match. Even a point will be a big plus.
ReplyDeleteWith Galata...spit....saray winning today after 13 minutes time added on and a penalty as a bonus from the nice luvly referee, this is also a must win match for Basak.
However, as you say, if Ankaragucu can replicate the form of last week's 2nd half then it is likely that they can be upset.
C'mon Ankaragucu, don't leave this until the last match against effin Goztepe !!!!