Gaziantep Vs Beşiktaş

On Sunday, Gaziantep will aim to break their five-match winless streak in the Turkish Super Lig as they welcome Besiktas to Gaziantep Stadyumu.

In contrast, Besiktas will approach this fixture with the intent of maintaining their unbeaten start to the Super Lig and extending their winning streak to three consecutive victories.

Team Form and Expectations

Gaziantep's Struggles

After securing a 1-0 win against Bodrumspor in their season opener, Gaziantep seemed poised to carry forward their positive momentum from the end of last season, where they finished strongly with three consecutive victories. However, their fortunes quickly turned. The Hawks faced three consecutive defeats against Samsunspor, Sivasspor, and Galatasaray, leaving them without a win since that initial match.

In an effort to stabilize their season, Gaziantep managed a goalless draw against Trabzonspor, hinting at a potential shift towards a more defensively robust approach. However, their subsequent 3-2 loss to Eyupspor squashed any optimism regarding a turnaround.

These disappointing results have left Gaziantep in 15th place in the league, with just four points to their name. They find themselves level on points with Rizespor, who occupy the first relegation spot but have played one match more.

Coach Selcuk Inan is hopeful that his team can replicate last season's success against Besiktas in this fixture, where they triumphed 2-0. However, this season, they have struggled at home, recording one draw and one loss in their two matches at Gaziantep Stadyumu.

Besiktas' Mixed Fortunes

Besiktas, on the other hand, has enjoyed a strong start to their Super Lig campaign. However, they come into this clash on the heels of a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, which marked their second Europa League match of the season.

The Black Eagles have faced significant challenges in European competition, losing both of their group stage matches and conceding a staggering seven goals while only managing to score once. Despite these setbacks, their overall form has been solid; they have won seven of their 11 competitive matches this season and drawn twice, leaving them in a favorable position domestically.

In their most recent Super Lig outing, Besiktas secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Kayserispor. This result has placed them third in the league standings, with 16 points, just three points adrift of league leaders Galatasaray, who have played one more match.

Besiktas has demonstrated defensive strength this season, conceding only four goals, which is the best record in the Super Lig. Additionally, their attacking prowess is evident, as they boast the third-highest number of goals scored in the league, with 14, trailing only behind Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.

The visitors have shown resilience and tactical discipline, with two wins and one draw in their three league encounters thus far.

Tactical Analysis

Gaziantep's Approach

Gaziantep will need to reassess their strategy in light of their recent performances. Inan may opt for a more defensive setup to counteract Besiktas' attacking threats while also looking to exploit any vulnerabilities in the visitors’ defense. A return to the form they exhibited last season, particularly in their previous home match against Besiktas, will be crucial for the Hawks as they seek to turn their fortunes around.

Besiktas' Game Plan

For Besiktas, the key will be to bounce back from their Europa League setback. Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst will likely emphasize the importance of maintaining focus and composure in this fixture, seeking to reinforce their solid defensive organization while capitalizing on their attacking strengths.

The team’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack could be pivotal against a struggling Gaziantep side. Their recent goal-scoring form, highlighted by their ability to find the net multiple times against Kayserispor, will give them confidence heading into this encounter.

Historical Context

In their previous encounters, Gaziantep and Besiktas have seen a mix of results. The Hawks managed a memorable victory last season when they faced the Black Eagles at home. That match demonstrated Gaziantep's potential when they are in form and their capability to challenge top-tier teams.

However, with Gaziantep currently languishing in the lower half of the table, they will need to channel that historical success into a solid performance this weekend to reverse their current trajectory.

Conclusion

As Gaziantep prepares to host Besiktas, the stakes are high for both teams. Gaziantep is desperate for points to climb out of the relegation zone, while Besiktas is looking to solidify their standing at the top of the league and shake off the recent disappointment in Europe.

The outcome of this match could significantly impact the morale and trajectory of both teams as the Super Lig season progresses. With Gaziantep eager to find their footing and Besiktas striving to maintain their unbeaten record, fans can expect an intense and competitive clash at Gaziantep Stadyumu.