Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Rizespor
Istanbul Basaksehir
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In the first round of the Turkish Super League, Rizespor will host Başakşehir on their home turf. The match is set for Monday, August 12th, kicking off at 20:00 Central European Time. The analysts from the Dailysports team have prepared a prediction for this encounter.
Rizespor
Last season, the team finished in the middle of the table. Over 38 rounds, Rizespor accumulated 50 points, securing ninth place. During the summer break, the Turkish side played four friendly matches, achieving respectable results: two wins, a draw, and a loss.
Rizespor has spent 22 seasons in the Super League, with their first appearance in the 1979/80 season. Since then, the club has experienced mixed success, oscillating between relegation and promotion. Their highest achievement remains a 5th place finish in the 1979/80 championship.
Başakşehir
One of the giants of Turkish football, Başakşehir became the Turkish champions in the 2019/20 season. This achievement was historic for the club, marking their first-ever title. In the previous campaign, the team finished fourth, earning a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. Istanbul played just one friendly match in the summer, which they won.
However, Başakşehir has already started their UEFA Conference League qualification journey. In the third round, they crushed a team from San Marino with an aggregate score of 10-1. Just a few days ago, on August 8th, Başakşehir narrowly defeated Iberia 1999 (Georgia) 1-0.
Interesting Facts and Head-to-Head Meetings
- In their previous head-to-head encounter, Başakşehir defeated Rizespor 2-0.
- Istanbul Başakşehir has won 6 of their last 7 matches.
- Rizespor has not won in 6 matches.
- Rizespor has conceded in 16 consecutive matches against Istanbul Başakşehir.
Rizespor vs Başakşehir Prediction
Başakşehir is currently in better form, having already played three official matches in the European qualifiers. This suggests that Istanbul is in peak condition and better physical shape. I believe Rizespor will put up a fight, but I favor Başakşehir. My bet is on an Istanbul victory with odds of 2.2.
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