MKE Ankaragucu vs Istanbul Basaksehir Prediction & Betting Tips - Super Lig

Prediction published on 08/01/2021, 09:37  by James | Modified on 08/01/2021 at 10:37 in Super Lig Predictions

A relegation six-pointer occurs in the Turkish Super Lig this weekend when Ankaragucu welcome Istanbul Basaksehir to the Eryaman Stadium in Ankara on Sunday. Yes, you read that right. Last season's champions Basaksehir are enduring a terrible title defence, their 19-point haul after 16 games putting them 15th in the table, four points above the relegation zone. Speaking of, Ankaragucu are 18th with 15 points. A midweek defeat to Gaziantep spoiled a two-match winning streak for Ankaragucu. They are a much stronger team at home, where they have won three of their last four matches. Basasksehir, who beat Manchester United in the Champions League earlier in the campaign, failed to win any of their previous four away games. A midweek home win over BB Erzurumspor eased some of the pressure Basaksehir have been under. However, a complete lack of consistency has destroyed their campaign. 

Okan Buruk had a distinguished career with clubs like Galatasaray and Inter Milan. Still, the Turk never achieved anything of the magnitude of guiding Basaksehir to a first league title during his playing career. It has been a learning curve for Buruk with conditions like the pandemic not helping his attempt to defend the championship. The Basaksehir owners have taken that into account for their decision to stand by him. There are clear areas that require improvement. Basaksehir lost five of their previous six away games, shipping three or more goals in each defeat. Only two Super Lig sides have conceded more away goals. The Ankaragucu side they face has scored three or more times in two of their last four home games. How long can the owners keep backing Buruk? A defeat to relegation rivals may force them to act. The past three meetings between these teams featured three goals. Back over 2.5 goals here.