Trabzonspor
Istanbul BasaksehirBy Wale Oni — Football expert: CONCACAF U20, CPL, Copa Argentina, Chinese leagues
Trabzonspor and Başakşehir are set to clash in the second round of the Turkish Süper Lig, with both sides arriving from contrasting opening weekends. The hosts kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 stalemate against Kasımpaşa, while the visitors cruised to a 2-0 victory over Kocaelispor. However, Trabzonspor’s schedule is complicated by a grueling Europa League playoff match against Ferencváros, which took place just three days before this league encounter.
In their season opener, Trabzonspor drew 1-1 with Kasımpaşa, but the scoreline didn’t fully reflect their dominance on the ball. Fatih Tekke’s side enjoyed 60% possession, fired off 13 shots to the opponent’s 9, and hit the target five times. Yet, the expected goals (xG) metric tells a different story: Kasımpaşa created 1.86 xG compared to Trabzonspor’s 0.85, suggesting the hosts’ control was more about volume than quality. Noah Saviolo’s goal put Trabzonspor ahead, but they couldn’t hold on. The big talking point was the debut of Mohamed Salah, who came off the bench in the second half and immediately injected energy down the right flank.
Now, a different challenge awaits. On Thursday, Trabzonspor suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Ferencváros in the first leg of their Europa League playoff round. The return leg isn’t until August 27, leaving Tekke with a delicate balancing act: field his strongest XI for this league fixture while preserving energy for the crucial European decider. This is especially relevant for Salah and other attacking players who are still building match fitness after their recent arrivals. The Egyptian is not yet ready to play every game at full throttle. At the same time, Trabzonspor desperately need a home win to avoid falling behind the early leaders. On the injury front, Tim Zabol-Folkarelli and Arseniy Batagov remain sidelined, but no new serious absences have emerged from the Ferencváros match.
Başakşehir began the season with far more conviction. They comfortably dispatched Kocaelispor 2-0 at home, and the statistics underline their dominance: 17 shots to 8, five on target to four, and an xG of 1.96 against just 0.42. They controlled the game from start to finish, rarely allowing their opponents any dangerous looks at goal. The attack was particularly sharp. Christopher Operi opened the scoring in the first half, and Eldor Shomurodov doubled the lead after the break. The Uzbek striker posted one of the highest xG figures of the opening round (0.94), instantly establishing himself as the focal point of most attacking moves.
This is a significant advantage heading into the trip to Trabzon. Başakşehir had no midweek European commitments, so they arrive fresher and better prepared. While Trabzonspor expended energy in a tough battle with Ferencváros, the visitors enjoyed a full week of training. Another factor in Başakşehir’s favor: they demonstrated in round one that they can be effective without monopolizing possession, creating chances even when the opposition has the ball. Against a Trabzonspor side that will likely try to dominate the ball, this counter-attacking capability could prove decisive. There are no injury concerns for Başakşehir.
Trabzonspor are stronger at home, and the 1-1 draw with Kasımpaşa didn’t fully capture what they created in the first round. However, the hosts now face a major distraction: their Europa League tie with Ferencváros. That match ended in a 0-1 loss, meaning a crucial second leg awaits in a week’s time, forcing Tekke to manage his squad’s energy carefully. Başakşehir started the season more impressively and come into this game without any midweek burden. They scored twice against Kocaelispor and conceded almost nothing at the back. Yet, Trabzonspor’s home advantage and squad quality make it hard to confidently back against them. Expect a tight contest where the hosts’ European fatigue might show in the second half. Prediction: Trabzonspor not to lose.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
With the squad Trabzonspor has, putting at least two past Istanbul Basaksehir is the bare minimum. Even if they face a bit of resistance, the attacking quality should be enough to get the job done. I'm backing them to score over 1.5 goals here.
Trabzonspor have what it takes to get the job done against Istanbul Basaksehir here. I’m backing the home side to come out on top in this Süper Lig clash.
Trabzonspor have a clear edge in this matchup, and I expect them to make it count. The home side simply look too strong for Istanbul Basaksehir here, so victory should be theirs. That's why I'm backing them at 1.95.
Trabzonspor know exactly what to do on their own turf, and they’re completely locked in for this Süper Lig clash. I’m backing them to get the job done against Istanbul Basaksehir.
These two rarely keep things quiet when they meet. Expect an open game with goals at both ends. I'm backing the over 2.5 goals line here.
Let’s be honest—Trabzonspor aren’t exactly striking fear right now. They’re out of sorts, struggling for rhythm, while Basaksehir come in looking far more disciplined and cohesive. I just don’t see the hosts turning it around here.
Basaksehir’s recent form is built on a solid defensive structure and a sharper tactical edge. They’ve been the better side in recent outings, and against a Trabzonspor side that’s clearly misfiring, I’m backing the visitors to avoid defeat. Double chance on the draw or away win at 1.70 is the smart play.
Trabzonspor against Istanbul Basaksehir is a matchup where the visitors have a clear edge. I'm backing the double chance on Basaksehir not to lose, as they are the stronger side in this fixture based on recent form and squad quality. The odds of 1.70 offer solid value for a bet that should comfortably land.
Trabzonspor’s midweek Europa League loss is the key factor here. That defeat leaves them chasing a response, and the fatigue from that trip should open up the game. Over 2.5 goals is the clear play — the conditions are right for a high-scoring affair.
This match is begging for goals. Over 2.5 hits with confidence.
Trabzonspor are taking all three points in this one. With Salah on the pitch, the hosts have the attacking edge to get the job done.
The Süper Lig clash between Trabzonspor and Istanbul Basaksehir promises plenty of goals. Both teams have the attacking quality to push the total over 2.5, and at odds of 1.73, that's exactly where I see value.
Trabzonspor have what it takes to get the job done against Istanbul Basaksehir here. I’m backing the home side to come out on top in this Süper Lig clash.
Trabzonspor have a clear edge in this matchup, and I expect them to make it count. The home side simply look too strong for Istanbul Basaksehir here, so victory should be theirs. That's why I'm backing them at 1.95.
Trabzonspor know exactly what to do on their own turf, and they’re completely locked in for this Süper Lig clash. I’m backing them to get the job done against Istanbul Basaksehir.
Let’s be honest—Trabzonspor aren’t exactly striking fear right now. They’re out of sorts, struggling for rhythm, while Basaksehir come in looking far more disciplined and cohesive. I just don’t see the hosts turning it around here.
Basaksehir’s recent form is built on a solid defensive structure and a sharper tactical edge. They’ve been the better side in recent outings, and against a Trabzonspor side that’s clearly misfiring, I’m backing the visitors to avoid defeat. Double chance on the draw or away win at 1.70 is the smart play.
Trabzonspor against Istanbul Basaksehir is a matchup where the visitors have a clear edge. I'm backing the double chance on Basaksehir not to lose, as they are the stronger side in this fixture based on recent form and squad quality. The odds of 1.70 offer solid value for a bet that should comfortably land.
With the squad Trabzonspor has, putting at least two past Istanbul Basaksehir is the bare minimum. Even if they face a bit of resistance, the attacking quality should be enough to get the job done. I'm backing them to score over 1.5 goals here.
These two rarely keep things quiet when they meet. Expect an open game with goals at both ends. I'm backing the over 2.5 goals line here.
Trabzonspor’s midweek Europa League loss is the key factor here. That defeat leaves them chasing a response, and the fatigue from that trip should open up the game. Over 2.5 goals is the clear play — the conditions are right for a high-scoring affair.
This match is begging for goals. Over 2.5 hits with confidence.
Trabzonspor are taking all three points in this one. With Salah on the pitch, the hosts have the attacking edge to get the job done.
The Süper Lig clash between Trabzonspor and Istanbul Basaksehir promises plenty of goals. Both teams have the attacking quality to push the total over 2.5, and at odds of 1.73, that's exactly where I see value.
The match is on 23 August 2026 at 17:00 local time in the Turkish Süper Lig.
The key prediction is on corners: Result 1 (Trabzonspor to win the corner count) at odds of 1.88.
Trabzonspor drew 1-1 with Kasımpaşa, while Başakşehir won 2-0 against Kocaelispor.
Trabzonspor have Tim Zabol-Folkarelli and Arseniy Batagov sidelined, but no new absences. Başakşehir have no injury concerns.
Yes, Trabzonspor played a Europa League playoff first leg against Ferencváros on August 20, losing 0-1, and have a crucial second leg on August 27, which may force squad rotation.