Istanbul vs. Antalyaspor – News and Probable Lineups

Istanbul Basaksehir, reeling from a significant loss in the Istanbul derby, will aim to find their stride once again as they welcome a struggling Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu this Wednesday evening.

The home side sits seven points shy of the European qualifications and will strive to intensify their pursuit of continental competition, while the visitors are in urgent need of points for security, positioned just above the relegation zone by a single spot and two points.

Match overview

Basaksehir has made steady advancements this season, with manager Nuri Sahin receiving significant recognition for his contributions since his arrival in September.

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder took over a team that required not only structural but also morale rehabilitation, and the outcomes have been commendable, leaving the Grey Owls in sixth place in the Super Lig with 42 points from 26 matches, comprising 12 victories, six draws, and eight losses.

Prior to their clash last weekend, Basaksehir was among the most in-form teams alongside Galatasaray, but their momentum was interrupted by a 3-0 defeat at Rams Park.

The home team remained competitive until the 56th minute when Festy Ebosele received a second yellow card, leading to his dismissal, after which goals from Wilfried Singo, Victor Osimhen, and Renato Nhaga clinched the win for the league leaders.

This loss signified Basaksehir’s third defeat in a crucial match within the last month – all against teams in the top four – emphasizing that while they are contenders for a European berth, they still face challenges against the top-tier clubs.

Nevertheless, they will be optimistic about recovering against Antalyaspor, a side they have been unbeaten against in their last four encounters, claiming three victories and a draw during that time.

Antalyaspor’s season has been considerably more challenging, with the Scorpions currently positioned 15th, accumulating 24 points from 26 matches, having secured just six wins while enduring 14 losses.

Their difficulties were highlighted last weekend by a 4-1 defeat at home to Gaziantep FK, which extended their winless streak to five matches in all competitions.

That defeat also marked a concerning defensive pattern, as Antalyaspor has now conceded in 10 consecutive matches, totaling 43 goals allowed this season – the third-highest in the league – putting their 11-year tenure in the top division under serious jeopardy.

To complicate matters further, they are traveling to a venue where they have historically faced challenges, with their last win here dating back to 2022.

Team News

Basaksehir will be unable to field Ebosele, whose red card against Galatasaray has led to a suspension for this fixture.

Defender Christopher Operi missed the last match due to injury and remains uncertain for the upcoming match on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, striker Eldor Shomurodov has been crucial to Basaksehir’s offensive efforts this season with 17 league goals, though he heads into this match having not scored in his last four outings.

Antalyaspor will be without Lautaro Gianetti, who is suspended following a late booking in their defeat to Gaziantep.

Midfielder Sander van de Streek, who has netted four league goals this season and provided an assist in their recent match, will likely be pivotal to the visitors’ attacking strategy.

Istanbul Basaksehir probable starting XI:

Sengezer; Sahiner, Duarte, Opoku, Karatas; Kemen, Gunes; Fayzullaev, Shomurodov, Brnic; Selke

Antalyaspor probable starting XI:

Julian; Paal, Sari, Dzhikiya, Turkmen; Ceesay, Dikmen; Ballet, Storm, Sinik; van de Streek

Basaksehir has displayed consistency throughout the season and will be eager to bounce back following their derby loss.

In contrast, Antalyaspor arrives in poor form and continues to struggle defensively, having conceded in 10 consecutive matches.

With a deeper squad, home-field advantage, and a favorable recent record against this opponent, the hosts appear well-positioned to secure all three points and preserve their hopes for European qualification.