Lions to visit Basaksehir in critical Super Lig clash

By Emre Asikci and Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - This weekend Turkey's top-tier football league is gearing up for a high-stakes match between Medipol Basaksehir and Galatasaray.

On Sunday fourth-place Galatasaray – itching for a victory since the pandemic break – will travel to Basaksehir’s Fatih Terim Stadium, a compelling showdown for the visitors.

One of the “Big Three” in the Turkish Super Lig, Galatasaray were upset over an unexpected home 3-3 draw against Gaziantep FK last weekend.

In addition to their poor form, Galatasaray were hit by multiple injuries including their Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and Colombian star in the offense, Radamel Falcao.

A mainstay since 2011, Muslera, 34, has been one of the Lions’ key players but he faced a tib-fib fracture during the June 14 league match against Caykur Rizespor that Galatasaray lost 2-0.

In addition to Muslera, Romanian forward Florin Andone, DR Congolese defender Christian Luyindama, and Brazilian defender Marcao Teixeira have also been plagued by injuries.

Falcao is likely to miss the match against Medipol Basaksehir as the 34-year-old forward on Sunday suffered a muscle injury, a grade 1 right calf strain.

Galatasaray were also vexed by suspended players, as Brazilian defender Mariano, Turkish forward Adem Buyuk, and defender Ahmet Calik cannot play against Medipol Basaksehir as they were previously booked.

Home team Medipol Basaksehir may only lack Martin Skrtel as the Slovakian defender is suspended.

The critical match will kick off at 1800GMT.

- Basaksehir eye league title

Ardent Basaksehir have been taking firm steps for the 2020 title, having 59 points in 28 weeks to lead the Super Lig.

The most recent champions Galatasaray were in the number four spot with 51 points in the standings.

The Turkish campaign will conclude in six weeks.

If Basaksehir win the league, it will be their first-ever title. But the Istanbul club is not alone in this race.

Basaksehir have been chased by the other title contenders, second-place Trabzonspor.

The team from the Black Sea region bagged 57 points, waiting for Basaksehir to make a mistake.

- Week 29 to start Friday

The opening match of week 29 will be on Besiktas' home ground, Vodafone Park, against Ittifak Holding Konyaspor.

The game in Istanbul will begin at 1800GMT.

With 47 points in the league table, the Black Eagles are in fifth place.

Their opponents, Konyaspor, are battling to move out of the relegation zone, in the number 16 spot with 27 points.

Five clubs, including Konyaspor, are in a relentless fight for their lives.

BtcTurk Yeni Malatyaspor are now in the number 14 spot with 28 points. Caykur Rizespor follow them with 28 points as well.

Hes Kablo Kayserispor had 25 points to come 17th in standings.

And MKE Ankaragucu are scraping the bottom of the Super Lig, as the team from the capital Ankara has earned 24 points so far.

- Week 29 fixtures:

- Friday:

Besiktas - Ittifak Holding Konyaspor

- Saturday:

Fenerbahce - BtcTurk Yeni Malatyaspor

Trabzonspor - MKE Ankaragucu

Goztepe - Aytemiz Alanyaspor

- Sunday:

Demir Grup Sivasspor - Hes Kablo Kayserispor

Caykur Rizespor - Yukatel Denizlispor

Medipol Basaksehir - Galatasaray

Gaziantep FK - Fraport TAV Antalyaspor

- Monday:

Genclerbirligi - Kasimpasa