Istanbul Basaksehir v Fenerbahce Istanbul Betting Tips [18 April 2021]
Football - Super Lig
18 April 2021 12:00
The match
This thrilling Turkish Super Lig title race is set to go down to the wire and a 3-1 win for Fenerbahce over Gaziantep on Monday night means they are still in with a chance of winning the title. The visitors arrive here in second place on 66 points, four behind league-leaders Besiktas having played a game more but their position does guarantee a place in the Champions League qualifiers which would be a huge step forward for the once ever-present club at Europe’s top table. Their hosts, Istanbul Baseksehir were actually dining with Europe’s elite at the said table at the start of the season as a result of actually capturing the Super Lig title last season. However, this term has been catastrophic for the reigning champions who are in danger of being relegated. The hosts are currently 17th level on points with Kayserispor, who occupy the final relegation place in 18th.
Istanbul ended a 10-game winless run with a much-needed victory on the road at relegation-threatened Genclerbirligi last month but they have picked up just four points from four games since and have won just three of their 14 home matches all season. They are by no means safe in the division despite being the current champions and a showdown with Kayserispor on the penultimate weekend of the season could throw their tenure at the top into turmoil.
Fenerbahce suffered a damaging defeat last month as they were stunned by Genclerbirligi at home in a 2-1 loss. The visitors have, however, responded with two wins and two draws in their four games since and their title hopes are still alive. Their away form has been the catalyst to their charge to the title. Fenerbahce are unbeaten in nine on their travels and have won six of those matches. They have taken five points more than any other side in the league away from home, accumulating 37 points from a possible 48 on the road. Fenerbahce’s have won 11 of their 16 fixtures and have scored two goals per game on average when playing away from home.
Key Statistics
- Fenerbahce have scored exactly one goal in four of their last five away matches.
- Istanbul have conceded exactly one goal in four of their last five home games.
- Six of Istanbul’s last eight league games have featured two goals or less.
The bet of our experts
Although these sides are 33 points apart in the table I suspect a much closer game when they collide on Sunday. They drew 1-1 in 90 minutes back in February before Istanbul prevailed 2-1 in extra-time and I would expect a similar result after 90 minutes here so back under 2.5 goals.
