Genclerbirligi vs Beşiktaş – News and Probable Lineups

Struggling to escape a five-match winless streak in the Turkish Super Lig, Genclerbirligi is set to host Besiktas at the Eryaman Stadium this Sunday evening, while the visitors are looking to recover quickly from an unusual setback.

As the Ankara team fights for survival, Besiktas will be eager to restore their winning form following a disappointing result in the Istanbul derby.

Match overview

For Genclerbirligi, this season has been largely characterized by difficulty, having returned to the Super Lig this year after a four-year hiatus, and they are finding life in the top division as challenging as anticipated.

The Ankara side currently holds 25 points from 25 matches, leaving them dangerously close to the relegation zone, with only a four-point margin over the bottom three teams, which is hardly comforting with nine games remaining.

Recently, the Wind of Ankara has found it difficult to establish any significant momentum, achieving just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions (4D, 2L).

In their latest result, they drew 0-0 against Alanyaspor, which was hardly a reassuring display, as Genclerbirligi did not manage a single shot on target throughout the match, and their goalkeeper was called into action five times to maintain the draw.

In their last five league matches, the Youth have earned just three points, with only Samsunspor managing fewer (two) during this period.

Despite these challenges, Genclerbirligi can draw some encouragement from their previous encounter against Besiktas, where they pulled off a surprising 2-1 victory; however, completing a league double over the Black Eagles now seems a much more daunting challenge.

At home, the hosts have displayed resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last nine matches at the Eryaman Stadium across all competitions; however, their last three home games have all ended in draws, illustrating their struggle to convert solid performances into wins.

Besiktas comes into this match in comparatively better form, although their preparations have been hindered by a difficult derby loss.

The Black Eagles faced a narrow 1-0 defeat at home against Galatasaray in their last match, which snapped an impressive 18-match unbeaten streak across all competitions (12W, 6D).

Nonetheless, Sergen Yalcin’s team remains well-placed in the league standings, currently in fourth with 46 points from 25 matches, enjoying a four-point lead over fifth-placed Istanbul Basaksehir in their pursuit of European qualification.

Thus, Besiktas will view this match as a chance to regain their momentum while reinforcing their position for a continental spot.

Additionally, the visitors boast a robust away record, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 away matches across all competitions, with seven wins and five draws during that stretch.

Team News

Genclerbirligi is still contending with several injury issues ahead of this fixture, as Nigerian midfielder Peter Etebo remains out due to a muscle injury, while Abdullah Sahindere and Emirhan Unal are both ruled out because of knee troubles.

Moussa Kyabou has been absent since suffering a knee injury against Fenerbahce in August 2025 and remains a long-term casualty, while Ogulcan Ulgun has been sidelined the last four matches due to a hamstring complaint.

In contrast, Besiktas arrives with a relatively fit squad, but they will be missing Emirhan Topcu and El Bilal Toure, who are expected to be out with hamstring injuries until late March.

Additionally, Necip Uysal and Taylan Bulut have minor injuries and will require late fitness assessments before being considered for selection.

Genclerbirligi probable starting XI:

Old; Pereira, Goutas, Zuzek, Thalisson; Dele-Bashiru; Traore, Gurpuz, Tongya, Mimaroglu; Koita

Besiktas probable starting XI:

Destanolglu; Murillo, Uduokhai, Agbadou, Yilmaz; Come in, Didi; Cerny, Original, United Kingdom; Oh

Genclerbirligi’s strong home form suggests they might be tough opponents, but Besiktas exhibits greater quality and steadiness, especially on the road.

Having seen their lengthy unbeaten streak come to an end last time out, the visitors will likely be highly motivated to bounce back, and if they can regain their attacking rhythm, the Black Eagles are expected to secure all three points.