Galatasaray, Besiktas set for a Sunday derby showdown

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Galatasaray and Besiktas are set for a Sunday derby showdown in Turkey's Super Lig, as two Istanbul clubs have everything to play for to give themselves an advantage with three weeks to go.

The match at Galatasaray's home turf Turk Telekom Stadium will kick off at 7 p.m. local time (GMT1600).

Galatasaray, who managed to defeat other title contender Basaksehir two weeks ago, are on a two match winning streak as they defeated Alanyaspor 3-2 in a thrilling match last weekend.

The league leaders separate themselves from the currently fourth placed Basaksehir, who will take on Osmanlispor -- who are fighting to avoid relegation -- on Sunday afternoon.

Besiktas, on the other hand, are on a four-match winning streak in the league, as they consecutively defeated Alanyaspor, Goztepe, Akhisarspor and Yeni Malatyaspor.

On April 19, Besiktas squared off against Fenerbahce on a Turkish Cup semifinal second leg match, which was called off due to violence after Besiktas Manager Senol Gunes got injured by objects flung from the stands of Fenerbahce's Ulker Stadium.

Turkish Football Federation decided that the match would restart on May 3 from the 57th minute -- when it had initially been postponed -- but Besiktas on Thursday decided not to take the field to protest federation's decision.

Besiktas' Portuguese defender Pepe is available for tonight match after the federation's decision, despite being sent off directly on Fenerbahce match, which normally requires two-game ban.

Pepe, with the decision, served his ban on Besiktas' Yeni Malatya match last week.

The Istanbul club are currently at 3rd place with 62 points.