Samsunspor Vs Başakşehir .

Istanbul Basaksehir will travel to Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu on Wednesday evening to take on Samsunspor in a crucial Turkish Super Lig clash. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the league table early in the season, with the visitors aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak while the hosts seek to find more consistency in their results.

The 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig season marks a critical period for Istanbul Basaksehir as they strive to recapture the form that saw them clinch their first-ever top-flight title in the 2019-20 campaign. Since that historic season, Istanbul Basaksehir has faced its share of ups and downs. In the aftermath of their title victory, they endured a difficult 2020-21 season, finishing in 12th place—a stark contrast to their previous triumph. That year, they ended up just eight points clear of relegation and a whopping 36 points behind the league champions, a significant decline that had many questioning whether the club could recover.

Despite that setback, the team has managed to gradually rebuild itself over the past few seasons. They finished fourth in both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons and fifth in the 2022-23 season, proving that they remain a formidable force in Turkish football. Under the guidance of head coach Cagdas Atan, who took over the managerial reigns before the 2024-25 season, Istanbul Basaksehir are eager to make a genuine push for their second league title. Their start to the current campaign has been impressive, as they have accumulated 10 points from their first four games, with three victories and one draw. This solid run of form has left them third in the league, trailing early leaders Fenerbahce by just three points, though Istanbul Basaksehir have played one fewer match.

What makes Istanbul Basaksehir particularly dangerous this season is their form across all competitions. In addition to their unbeaten record in the Super Lig, Atan’s squad has not tasted defeat in any of their 10 matches across various tournaments. This consistency has instilled confidence within the team, as they look to extend their unbeaten run when they face Samsunspor away from home. Historically, Basaksehir have fared well at the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu, having gone undefeated in their last three visits to the ground. The team's defense has been particularly sturdy this season, which has been a cornerstone of their success, complemented by a disciplined and tactically aware midfield and a clinical attack.

As Istanbul Basaksehir continue to build momentum, they remain focused on the bigger picture: contending for the Turkish Super Lig title. The depth and versatility within their squad suggest that they have the potential to sustain this strong early-season form, and a victory against Samsunspor would only strengthen their case as title challengers.

While Istanbul Basaksehir have enjoyed an undefeated start, Samsunspor’s return to the top tier of Turkish football has been more turbulent. Having secured promotion to the Super Lig as champions of the 1. Lig in the 2022-23 season, there were high expectations surrounding the team. After a solid first campaign back in the Super Lig, where they avoided relegation and showed promise, the club looked set to build on that success. However, the start to the 2024-25 season has been anything but straightforward for the Black Sea-based club.

Samsunspor currently find themselves mid-table, having won two of their opening four matches while losing the other two. Their two victories came with clean sheets, showcasing the team’s defensive capabilities under the new management of Thomas Reis. Reis, who was appointed in July 2024 after the departure of Markus Gisdol, inherited a team with a strong foundation. Gisdol had performed wonders in the second half of the 2023-24 season, steering Samsunspor from the relegation zone to safety. As a result, Reis had big shoes to fill when he took charge, and his task has been made all the more challenging by Samsunspor’s inconsistent form so far this season.

The main issue for Reis has been the team’s inability to score consistently. Despite keeping clean sheets in their two victories, they have failed to score in both of their losses, which has hampered their progress in the league. Their current position of ninth place reflects their inconsistency, but the team has been playing better than their results suggest. In three of their four matches, Samsunspor have outperformed their opponents in terms of expected goals (xG), meaning they are creating quality chances but failing to convert them. This will be an area that Reis will be keen to address, as turning those performances into points will be crucial for Samsunspor’s aspirations this season.

Another challenge for Reis has been the team’s poor home form. Samsunspor have yet to register a victory at the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu this season, losing both of their home matches so far against Besiktas and Konyaspor. These results have frustrated their passionate fan base, who are desperate to see their team return to winning ways in front of their own supporters. A positive result against a strong Istanbul Basaksehir side would be the perfect way to kickstart their home campaign and build momentum for the rest of the season.

Both teams will be relying on key players to make a difference in Wednesday’s matchup. For Istanbul Basaksehir, much of their success so far this season has been built on a well-organized defense and a dynamic midfield. Atan’s side has shown resilience at the back, with goalkeeper Muhammed Sengezer and defenders Leo Duarte and Patryk Szysz playing pivotal roles in keeping things tight at the back. In midfield, the experience and composure of Berkay Ozcan and Danijel Aleksic have provided a solid platform for the team’s attacking players to thrive. Up front, Stefano Okaka remains a constant threat, with his physical presence and eye for goal making him a handful for opposition defenses.

Samsunspor, on the other hand, will be hoping for standout performances from their own key players. Goalkeeper Jakub Szumski has been in fine form, helping his side keep two clean sheets in their first four matches. At the back, the leadership of Osman Celik has been crucial, while midfielders such as Yasin Oztekin have provided creativity going forward. However, the biggest issue for Reis has been finding a reliable source of goals. Striker Douglas Tanque will need to step up and start converting the chances that his team has been creating if Samsunspor are to climb the table.

From a tactical perspective, both managers will have different approaches going into this match. Atan will likely set his team up in a balanced 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and hitting Samsunspor on the counter-attack when opportunities arise. Given Basaksehir’s defensive solidity, they will be confident in their ability to keep things tight at the back and frustrate the hosts. On the other side, Reis may opt for a more aggressive approach, encouraging his players to press high up the pitch and create scoring opportunities early on. Samsunspor’s home crowd will also play a role in their approach, as the supporters will be eager to see their team take the game to Basaksehir from the start.

This match represents an opportunity for both teams to take significant steps forward in their respective campaigns. For Istanbul Basaksehir, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season will be crucial as they continue to chase league leaders Fenerbahce. Another victory would keep them within touching distance of the top spot and reinforce their status as title contenders. For Samsunspor, this is a chance to finally secure a home victory and put an end to their inconsistent form. A win here would provide a massive boost to their confidence and help them climb further up the table.

Ultimately, this Turkish Super Lig clash promises to be an exciting encounter between two sides with contrasting goals for the season. Basaksehir will be determined to continue their unbeaten run and maintain their strong start to the campaign, while Samsunspor will be eager to prove they can compete with the league’s best and deliver a statement performance in front of their home fans.