Gaziantep vs Beşiktaş – News and Probable Lineups

Besiktas, currently struggling, will visit Gaziantep Stadyumu on Friday, hoping to secure a victory that may ensure their spot in European football next season.

The Black Eagles have endured a winless streak in their last two Turkish Super Lig encounters (1D, 1L), but still hold a five-point advantage over fifth-placed Istanbul Basaksehir, with three matches remaining.

Match overview

The recent form of Besiktas has not been favorable, as they are finding it challenging to sustain their momentum, having won only once in their last four league outings (1W, 1D, 2L). This decline has brought a sense of pressure to what previously seemed like a straightforward path to European qualification.

Defeats against Fenerbahce (1-0) and Samsunspor (2-1), followed by a disappointing goalless draw with bottom-placed Fatih Karagumruk, have exposed both their attacking deficiencies and lack of precision in crucial moments.

The only positive aspect during this time has been their performance in the Turkish Cup, where they achieved a convincing 3-0 win over Alanyaspor, advancing them to a semi-final confrontation with Konyaspor.

Though this cup run provides an alternative pathway into Europe, it is fraught with uncertainty, and Besiktas are acutely aware that their most secure route lies in regaining their league form.

However, Friday’s match brings its own challenges, as Gaziantep has proven a tough opponent in recent years, with Besiktas having failed to secure victory in any of their last four encounters (2D, 2L).

Even more alarming is their track record at this ground; in six previous league trips to Gaziantep Stadyumu, the Black Eagles have never claimed victory, managing three draws and three losses, a statistic that weighs heavily on this already challenging fixture.

Conversely, Gaziantep heads into this fixture with a contrasting emotional outlook – sitting nine points clear of the relegation zone with only three matches left, they are nearly secure as long as a drastic downturn doesn’t occur, which could grant them the freedom to play without pressure that has been missing in recent weeks.

Nevertheless, form poses a challenge, as the Falcons have managed just one victory in their last five games, suffering three losses and one draw during this span.

Their latest match, a 3-0 loss to Eyupspor, was especially disappointing as it marked Mirel Radoi’s first game as permanent manager, failing to capitalize on the uplifting 3-0 win against Kayserispor beforehand.

Despite these inconsistencies, Gaziantep has shown resilience at home, remaining unbeaten in their last three matches at Gaziantep Stadyumu (1W, 2D), and that could once again make them a tough team to break down.

Team News

Gaziantep will be without Ali Mevran Ablak and Salem M’Bakata, both out due to long-term knee injuries, while Badou Ndiaye continues his recovery towards full fitness.

Mohamed Bayo remains the key player in their attack, having an impressive season and consistently posing a threat in the attacking third.

On the other hand, Besiktas face their own issues, as midfielder Kartal Yilmaz is sidelined with a torn ankle ligament, and Ridvan Yilmaz is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.

Additionally, Tiago Djalo is unavailable after being suspended by the coach for disciplinary reasons, further constraining options for Besiktas as they attempt to stabilize during a crucial period of the season.

Gaziantep probable starting XI:

gorge; Sorescu, Kilzidag, Abena, Rodrigues; Kozlowski, Kabasakal, Ntino-Emo, Maxim, Lungoyi; bayou

Besiktas probable starting XI:

Vasquez; Cloud, Agbadou, Topcu, Ozcan; I am; Rashica, Olaitan, Kokcu, Toure; Oh

Currently, both Gaziantep and Besiktas are struggling, making this encounter difficult to predict. However, the hosts have a tendency to perform on their home turf in this matchup, yet we believe the Black Eagles possess enough quality to secure at least a draw.