Basaksehir vs Besiktas

The Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium becomes the epicenter of Turkish football this Sunday, February 15, 2026, as Nuri Şahin’s Başakşehir (6th, 30 points) hosts Sergen Yalçın’s Beşiktaş (5th, 36 points) in a crucial Süper Lig Round 22 clash. Kick-off is set for 17:00 UTC (20:00 local time).

With only six points separating these two Istanbul rivals, this fixture is widely seen as a "six-pointer" for the final European qualification spots. Beşiktaş is looking to cement their top-five status, while Başakşehir aims to avenge their 2–1 defeat from earlier in the season.

Match Information

İstanbul Başakşehir: The Şahin Era Takes Flight

Since taking over in September 2025, former Dortmund boss Nuri Şahin has instilled a technical, possession-heavy identity in the "Grey Owls." Despite some inconsistency in January, they remain one of the most dangerous home sides in the league.

Team News and Selection:

• The Uzbek Connection: The duo of Eldor Shomurodov (13 league goals) and Abbosbek Fayzullaev has been the league's most prolific partnership this winter.

• Midfield Creative: New arrival Amine Harit has immediately taken the reins of the midfield, leading the team in progressive carries since his debut.

• Defensive Stability: Léo Duarte is expected to return to the starting XI after a minor knock, providing much-needed experience against a physical Beşiktaş attack.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Şengezer; Şahiner, Duarte, Opoku, Operi; Kemen, Güneş, Harit; Fayzullaev, Shomurodov, Selke.

Beşiktaş: Yalçın’s Resurgence

After the short-lived Ole Gunnar Solskjær era ended in August, the return of "The King," Sergen Yalçın, has stabilized the Black Eagles. However, the winter transfer window was bittersweet; while they lost star striker Tammy Abraham to Aston Villa for £18m, they have moved quickly to reinforce the squad.

Team News and Selection:

• New Blood: South Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu (signed from Genk on Feb 4) is expected to make his first start as a direct replacement for Abraham.

• The Maestro: Orkun Kökçü remains the heart of this team, currently boasting the highest average match rating in the Süper Lig this season.

• Returning Heroes: Rıdvan Yılmaz and Cengiz Ünder have both overcome minor fitness issues and are fit to start.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Destanoğlu; Sazdağı, Djaló, Topçu, Yılmaz; Salih Uçan, Kökçü; Çerný, Gedson Fernandes, Ünder; Oh Hyeon-gyu.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Reverse Fixture: Beşiktaş secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory at the Tüpraş Stadyumu in September 2025

• Clean Sheet Struggle: Both teams have struggled defensively lately; Başakşehir has kept only one clean sheet in their last six, while Beşiktaş has conceded in four straight.

• Home Fortress: Başakşehir is unbeaten in 4 of their last 5 home matches against Beşiktaş.

• Goals Scored: Only 1 goal separates the two sides' total season tallies (Başakşehir 34 vs. Beşiktaş 35).

Tactical Preview and Prediction

Expect a tactical chess match between the youthful idealism of Nuri Şahin and the pragmatic brilliance of Sergen Yalçın. Şahin will want his side to control the ball and utilize Fayzullaev’s movement to draw Beşiktaş's Tiago Djaló out of position. Beşiktaş, conversely, will look to dominate the midfield through Kökçü and release Oh Hyeon-gyu early to exploit any gaps in the transition.

While Beşiktaş possesses higher individual quality, the "mountain" of Başakşehir's stadium often proves difficult for the Big Three. A high-scoring stalemate seems the most likely outcome.

Final Score Prediction: Başakşehir 2–2 Beşiktaş