Besiktas vs Konyaspor prediction: match preview and lineups
The Turkish Cup 2025/26 semi-final between Besiktas and Konyaspor is set for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Tupras Stadium in Istanbul. This clash represents a crucial opportunity for both sides to salvage their season and clinch a coveted ticket to the Europa League, promising a tense and gripping cup battle.
Match preview
Under Sergen Yalcin, Besiktas currently sit fourth in the Super Lig with 59 points, effectively out of the title race, making the Turkish Cup their top priority. The Black Eagles have hit solid form, winning three of their last five matches, including a recent league triumph. Playing at home on the Tupras Stadium turf is a massive advantage, as the Istanbul faithful are renowned for becoming the “twelfth man” in decisive cup encounters.
Tactically, Besiktas focus on ball possession and aggressive wing play. Hyeon-gyu Oh is in top form and remains the main threat to the opposition’s defense. In midfield, Kristjan Asllani and Orkun Kökçü orchestrate play; their long-range shots and creative passes will be key to unlocking Konyaspor’s packed defense. Expect Yalcin to field an ultra-attacking lineup, aiming to settle the tie in regular time and avoid the drama of a penalty shootout.
Konyaspor, meanwhile, are enjoying a solid campaign as mid-table contenders, currently ninth in the league with 40 points. For the Green and Whites, reaching the cup final would be a historic feat and their only route into European competition next season. İlhan Palut’s side are known for their resilience—three wins and a draw in their last five outings underline their doggedness. Konyaspor are adept at soaking up pressure and punishing overconfident giants, a trait they’ve displayed throughout this year’s tournament.
The visitors’ style is built on disciplined defending and sharp counterattacks. Star man Enis Bardhi is a master at finding pockets of space between defenders, while Marko Jevtovicć is deadly on set pieces, which could prove decisive in a knockout tie. On the Tupras pitch, expect Konyaspor to embrace the underdog role, aiming to slow the tempo and deny Besiktas room in the final third.
Both sides have selection headaches. Besiktas are sweating over the fitness of midfielder Kartal Kayra Yılmaz and winger Milot Rashica, both doubtful due to injury. Konyaspor’s situation is more stable, but defensive midfielder Ufuk Akyol and striker Muhammet Tunahan Taşçı are ruled out. There are also concerns over the fitness of Slovenian forward Blaž Kramer, which could blunt the visitors’ attacking threat.
Key facts and head-to-head
- Besiktas are unbeaten in their last three matches.
- Besiktas have kept a clean sheet in all three of those games.
- Konyaspor have scored first in each of their last seven matches.
- In their last ten head-to-heads, Besiktas have won seven, Konyaspor just one, with two draws.
- In the Turkish Cup, these teams have met four times, winning two games each.
- Their most recent encounter was in the league, with Besiktas winning 2-1.
Probable lineups
- Besiktas: Destanoğlu - Murillo, Agbadou, Topçu, Özcan - Ndidi, Kökçü, Olaitan - Černŷ, Bilal Touré, Oh
- Konyaspor: Ertaş - Andzouana, Bazoer, Yazğılı, Subaşi - Bjorlo, Svendsen, Gonçalves - Olaigbe, Bardhi, Yagmur
Prediction
Besiktas are clear favorites thanks to their quality and home advantage, but Konyaspor are riding a wave of form and won’t go down without a fight. Given the stakes and the pragmatic approach of both managers, don’t expect an all-out attacking spectacle from the first whistle. Still, the Eagles’ attacking prowess should ultimately tip the balance. My prediction: Besiktas to win.
