Genclerbirligi vs Istanbul Basaksehir Prediction 07.11.2025 | Super Lig

Appointed as the new head coach in place of Huseyin Eroglu, Volkan Demirel’s debut could hardly have gone worse, overseeing a narrow but deflating 1-0 defeat away to European-hopefuls Goztepe.

In hindsight, parting ways with Eroglu may prove to have been a rushed decision. Before his dismissal, he had sparked a noticeable improvement, making his side unbeaten in four of their final five outings — a run highlighted by a stunning 2-1 upset over Besiktas in Istanbul. However, back-to-back losses since the change in leadership have dragged the team all the way down to third from bottom, setting off alarm bells early in Demirel’s tenure.

If Genclerbirligi want to pull themselves out of trouble, they must address their glaring defensive issues. They have recorded just one clean sheet across their previous 11 league matches and enter this clash on a worrying run of five straight games without shutting out the opposition.

Complications continue on the personnel front as well. Captain Peter Etebo, Moussa Kyabou, and Ensar Kemaloglu are all sidelined through injury, while Bosnian midfielder Dal Varesanovic — absent for the last four Super Lig matches — will require a late fitness test.

In stark contrast to the struggling hosts, Basaksehir have shown a clear surge in momentum in recent weeks. A gritty 0-0 stalemate against Rizespor sparked their revival, followed by back-to-back statement wins over Antalyaspor and Kocaelispor, allowing them to pull away from the drop zone and breathe a little easier.

This turnaround has been powered by excellence at both ends of the pitch. The Grey Owls have kept three straight clean sheets in the Super Lig, while firing five goals across their last two victories, creating a confident and unified atmosphere within the squad before their trip to the capital.

Head coach Nuri Sahin and his well-drilled side genuinely believe their unbeaten run can continue, especially considering their solid away performances this season and the fact that they have won their last two road meetings with Genclerbirligi.

Uzbek forward Abbosbek Fayzullaev has not featured in a Super Lig match since returning from international duty in October, and defender Jerome Opoku will require assessment after being forced off in the 22nd minute of last week’s clash with Kocaelispor.