AP Sports Preview: Gaziantep FK vs. Besiktas

ISTANBUL (Interstat) — Besiktas travels to Gaziantep on Friday to face Gaziantep FK in a Süper Lig clash that carries significant implications for both sides as the Turkish season enters its final stretch.

The match, set for May 1, 2026, at Gaziantep’s home stadium, pits a visiting Besiktas side looking to regain momentum against a Gaziantep team desperate to halt a recent slide.

Besiktas enters the fixture following a scoreless draw at Fatih Karagümrük on Monday, a result that extended their mixed run. Over their last 10 league outings, the Black Eagles have posted five wins, two draws and three losses, including a 4-2 victory at Antalyaspor and a 1-0 defeat to Fenerbahce. However, consistency has been elusive; they lost 2-1 at Samsunspor on April 19 before the goalless stalemate.

Gaziantep FK, meanwhile, is coming off a 3-0 loss at Eyupspor on Saturday, their second defeat in three matches. The hosts have managed only two wins in their last 10 league games, with three draws and five losses. A bright spot came April 20 when they beat Kayserispor 3-0, but they followed with a 2-1 loss at Rizespor. Defensive fragility has been a concern: Gaziantep conceded four goals to Fenerbahce in a 4-1 defeat on March 17.

The head-to-head record shows a 2-2 draw in their most recent meeting Dec. 8, 2025, at Besiktas. That result ended a run of three straight Besiktas wins in the series.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 2-1 victory for Besiktas, which would extend their unbeaten run against Gaziantep to four matches. For Gaziantep, holding serve at home has been problematic; they have lost three of their last five home games.

Kickoff is set for Friday evening. Both teams are expected to be near full strength, though late fitness tests will determine availability for a few players.

The match is the second of three Süper Lig fixtures this week, and with the season winding down, every point counts in the race for European qualification and survival.