Besiktas vs Gaziantep

In-form Besiktas will look to continue their impressive run in the Turkish Super Lig as they host Gaziantep at Tupras Stadium on Monday evening.

The Black Eagles have been in strong form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, remaining unbeaten in their last five league matches and securing four consecutive wins. This surge has reignited their hopes of securing a European spot.

Besiktas’ revival under Solskjaer was further highlighted in their recent 2-0 triumph over Kayserispor. Joao Mario broke the deadlock just before halftime, and Semih Kilicsoy sealed the win with a late penalty.

This victory extended Besiktas’ unbeaten streak in the Super Lig to nine matches, solidifying their hold on fourth place with 44 points. They now sit four points ahead of fifth-placed Eyupspor, strengthening their position in the league standings.

GFK bounced back with a 3-1 home win against Eyupspor in their previous match, marking only their second victory in their last six league games. During this period, they faced three defeats and managed just one draw, highlighting their inconsistent form.

Under Inan's management, the team has particularly struggled in away games this season. They share the league's poorest home-away points difference with Trabzonspor (22 points), as both teams have earned 27 points at home but a mere five on the road.

Gaziantep's last away triumph dates back to August, when they secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bodrumspor. Since then, they have played 11 competitive away matches, suffering nine losses and settling for two draws, further emphasizing their difficulties on the road.

Since Solskjaer's arrival, Besiktas have tightened up defensively, conceding just two goals in four league outings while keeping two clean sheets in that time, while they have also been ruthless in attack, averaging 2.5 goals per game.

A home fixture against Gaziantep in their current form is one the Besiktas faithful will relish, particularly given the lingering animosity from the reverse fixture, when GFK boss Selcuk Inan's exuberant celebrations in the 1-1 draw were deemed excessive.

The Black Eagles have every reason to be confident of extending their winning streak to five matches, having dominated this fixture at Tupras Stadium – they have won all eight meetings between the sides on home turf across all competitions.

Furthermore, Besiktas have been formidable at home, avoiding defeat in their last eight matches in all competitions, winning the last four, including two in the Super Lig.