In what has previously felt like a mammoth clash in the Super Lig, both Istanbul Basaksehir and Galatasaray will enter their weekend fixture on the back of what has been a disappointing campaign.
The record Turkish champions sit in 13th, with Galatasaray now boasting no chance of securing European football, while it looks like Basaksehir will be forced to settle for the Europa Conference League.
Match preview
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The fact that Galatasaray will start next season in the Super Lig may have come as a surprise to some at one point in the season, with it looking as if the Istanbul-based outfit would be drawn into a relegation scrap.
Not mathematically safe until recently, Galatasaray's troublesome season showed no signs of ending, as the record champions will finish the campaign in mid-table.
An astonishing 14 defeats from their 35 Super Lig matches so far has punctuated a dreadful season for Galatasaray, who sit closer to the relegation zone than they do champions Trabzonspor.
Due to be absence from European football for the first time since 2011-12, Galatasaray will be keen to see the current campaign brought to an end as quickly as possible.
Similarly, Basaksehir have not enjoyed a season to remember, although they will likely head into the new campaign in the knowledge that they will be playing European football.
Five points clear of fifth-placed Alanyaspor, Basaksehir need just four points from their final three matches to wrap up a place in the Europa Conference League.
A one-time Champions League group stage participator, the drop into Europe's tertiary competition will feel like a downwards step, but the achievement will still be celebrated by the Istanbul club.
Of the four clubs from the city, only Fenerbahce and Basaksehir will be competing in Europe next season, with both Besiktas, and of course Galatasaray, having failed to qualify.
Hoping to restore some pride into an otherwise miserable campaign, Galatasaray will visit their city rivals looking to extend a five-game unbeaten run against Basaksehir.
The hosts last tasted victory in this competition back in November 2019, with Galatasaray keen to maintain a strong record over Saturday's opponents.
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Team News
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An Emre Kilinc red card will keep the midfielder out of this weekend's clash, whereas Marcao will not feature for Galatasaray as he is nursing a muscle injury.
A similar fate has struck Inaki Pena Sotorres, who is preparing to return to parent club Barcelona at the end of his loan with Galatasaray.
Elsewhere, a back problem is keeping Omar Elabdellaoui out of action, with the defender expected to return in the coming week.
Muscle discomfort will keep Stefano Okaka from competing for Basaksehir, with the forward's nine goals this season a bright point in an otherwise gloomy campaign.
The only other injury concern for Basaksehir is midfielder Youssouf Ndayishimiye, who will not feature for the hosts.
Istanbul Basaksehir possible starting lineup:
Babacan; Lima, Epureanu, Duarte, Caicara; Cigerci, Tekdemir, Ozcan; Turuc, Trezeguet, Gulbrandsen
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Kaya, Van Aanholt; Pulgar, Cicaldau, Antalyali; Babel, Akturkoglu, Gomis
We say: Istanbul Basaksehir 1-0 Galatasaray
Galatasaray have been torrid at times this season, but a recent pick up in form will inspire confidence heading into the new campaign.
However, with points needed to secure European football for Basaksehir, expect the hosts to prevail in this clash.
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats, suggests the most likely outcome of this match is a Istanbul Basaksehir win with a probability of 58.47%. A draw has a probability of 23.2% and a win for Galatasaray has a probability of 18.3%.
The most likely scoreline is Istanbul Basaksehir 1-0 Galatasaray with a probability of 12.63% and the second most likely scoreline is Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 Galatasaray with a probability of 11.14%.
Top tip
Amos Murphy
