Its Derby time!!!! Again!!!!! Galatasaray travels to Besiktas’ infamous Inonu Stadium

By: Musab | March 1st, 2008

This Sunday, Galatasaray will take on their second, somewhat lesser Rival, Besiktas. Its a wonder that Besiktas are still in the running for the championship. Their football is shit, their fans have already gone crazy, and their players are disillusioned. But of course with some sheer luck and enough penalties, they’re just two points behind us.

Today Fenerbahce could only manage a draw away at Ankaragucu. Therefore we have to win tomorrow. this could very well be the turning point in our season. A strong convincing win would effectively knock Besiktas out of the race while at the same time would make us three point leaders over Fenerbahce and open the path for the championship. A loss on the other hand would make Besiktas leaders by one measly point and that could very well be the morale they need to jumpstart their campaign.

However when you look at the two teams, Galatasaray are by far the best team. Besiktas have been knocked out of the Turkish cup to lowly C.Rizespor and have been playing terrible football recently while Galatasaray come off a convincing victory over Fenerbahce in the Turkish cup.

Some key match-ups:

Aykut Cetin(GS)-Hakan Arican(BJK)
Both of these goalkeepers were not the first choice keepers, however when Orkun and Rustu made key mistakes, these guys came to the limelight. While Arican has seen more action, Aykut is by far the better goalie.

Arda Turan(GS)-Ibrahim Toraman(BJK)
Due to cisse’s injury, Ibrahim Toraman, a defender will play in the defenseive midfielder role for Besiktas. So of course our young star player Arda Turan will tear apart Besiktas’ Midfield.

Servet Cetin+Rigobert Song(GS)-Bobo+Filip Holosko(BJK)
Our two central defnders will have to take care of Besiktas’ two forwards. The problem is both Bobo and Holosko are two fast for Servet Cetin. While Song won’t have a problem, Servet may have a tough game. Let’s hope his sheer strength will allow him to outmuscle his opponents.

Galatasaray-The Besiktas Fans
However there is only one thing that Besiktas have over Galatasaray. The have by far the most fanatical fans IN THE WHOLE OF EUROPE. They never sit down, they never stop cursing, and they never shut up unless you score a goal. So the only way to beat them is to find an early goal. If we do, perhaps they won’t be as big a factor.

Musab’s Prediction: 2-0 or 2-1 to Galatasaray. I really don’t see how Besiktas could beat us. Morale has never been so high and Besiktas has never been so bad. I really think we have what it takes to win. In fact if we can find an early goal, we might be able to score three.

So here’s to Galatasaray, may the lions of Galatasaray eat up the Eagles of Besiktas!!!!!!!!! “Haydi, goriym benim aslanlarim!!!!”(Come on my lions, let me see you!!!!)