Galatasaray – Besiktas Derby: Probable Lineups, Kick-off Time and TV Channel Revealed

All Eyes on Rams Park as Galatasaray Host Besiktas in the Super Lig’s First Big Derby

Galatasaray – Besiktas

The wait is almost over. Istanbul gets ready for its first major clash of the season as Galatasaray welcome Besiktas to Rams Park in the 8th week of the Super Lig. The match, set for 20:00 local time, will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS 1 HD. Referee Yasin Kol will take charge of the game, assisted by Abdullah Bora Ozkara and Bahtiyar Binici, while Cagdas Altay will serve as the fourth official.

It’s not just another league game — it’s history, rivalry, pride, and passion, all rolled into one night. Both sides come into this one with different ambitions, but the same determination to claim Istanbul’s bragging rights.

Galatasaray Lead the Way

Galatasaray

The reigning champions, Galatasaray, continue their strong domestic form under Okan Buruk. Sitting four points clear at the top, the Lions have dominated the league’s opening weeks. Their combination of tactical discipline and star power has made them the team to beat once again.

Since Buruk took charge in 2022, Galatasaray have been relentless at home. At Rams Park, they’ve built a fortress — unbeaten in their last eight league derbies against Besiktas, winning seven and drawing once. The home fans will expect nothing less than another statement win tonight.

Galatasaray’s defense, led by Davinson Sanchez and Abdulkadir Bardakci, has looked solid so far. Still, there’s one concern — Sanchez is one yellow card away from suspension and could miss next week’s clash with Basaksehir if booked tonight.

Besiktas Seek Redemption

Besiktas

On the other side, Besiktas arrive with mixed form and lingering doubts. Despite flashes of brilliance, Sergen Yalcin’s men have been inconsistent, suffering two defeats in their opening six league games. They currently sit fifth, with a game in hand, and a victory here could reignite their title push.

Yalcin knows what it means to beat Galatasaray — both as a player and a coach. His tactical approach often thrives in high-pressure derbies. Last season, Besiktas actually won two of three encounters with Galatasaray, including a famous 5-0 Super Cup triumph, a night that reminded everyone of their attacking firepower.

However, the stage tonight will test their composure and resilience more than ever.

Icardi Chases History in Galatasaray – Besiktas Derby

For Mauro Icardi, this isn’t just another game — it’s a personal milestone waiting to happen. The Argentine forward has been the heartbeat of Galatasaray’s attack since his arrival, scoring in nearly every major match. Should he find the net tonight, he will become Galatasaray’s top-scoring foreign player against Besiktas.

His knack for rising in big games, coupled with his chemistry with Ilkay Gundogan and Baris Alper Yilmaz, makes him the most dangerous man on the pitch. Expect the Rams Park crowd to roar every time Icardi gets near the box.

First Derby Experience for Many

This Galatasaray – Besiktas derby will also mark a fresh experience for many newcomers.

For Galatasaray, players like Ugurcan Cakir, Wilfried Singo, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Ismail Jacobs, Metehan Baltaci, and Yusuf Demir could all make their first appearances in this heated fixture.

Besiktas have even more debutants: David Jurasek, Tammy Abraham, Orkun Kokcu, Wilfred Ndidi, Taylan Bulut, El Bilal Toure, Tiago Djalo, Vaclav Cerny, Cengiz Under, Gokhan Sazdagi, and Jota Silva — plus academy graduates Devrim Sahin and Kartal Kayra Yilmaz. For all of them, this will be an unforgettable baptism of fire.

Derbies in Istanbul are unlike anything else. The atmosphere, the noise, the tension — even seasoned veterans feel it. For the newcomers, it’s a first taste of true Turkish football intensity.

Injury Updates and Selection Doubts

Galatasaray head into the game at full strength. Okan Buruk has the luxury of a complete squad, allowing him to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 setup.

Besiktas, meanwhile, have injury worries. Demir Ege Tiknaz is ruled out with a long-term issue. There are also last-minute checks on Tammy Abraham, Jonas Svensson, and Salih Ucan. Abraham, who dislocated his shoulder in the Kocaelispor match, faces a late fitness test before kick-off.

If the English striker doesn’t make it, El Bilal Toure is expected to start as the lone forward.

A Tactical Chess Match: Buruk vs Yalcin

Tonight’s clash also revives an intriguing managerial rivalry. Okan Buruk and Sergen Yalcin — two Istanbul icons who’ve both lifted trophies as players and managers — now face each other for the first time as the bosses of their boyhood clubs.

Buruk has enjoyed more recent success, winning three league titles as Galatasaray’s coach, on top of the seven he lifted as a player. Yalcin, meanwhile, boasts four league titles as a player and one as Besiktas manager.

Historically, Yalcin has the edge in their personal duels (4 wins to Buruk’s 3, with 2 draws), but this time, the stage feels different. Buruk’s Galatasaray are in rhythm, while Yalcin’s Besiktas are still trying to find consistency.

Galatasaray’s Dominance at Rams Park

It’s been nearly a decade since Besiktas last celebrated a league win at Rams Park — their last triumph came in the 2016-17 season. Since then, it’s been all Galatasaray: seven wins, one draw, and countless memorable nights for the fans in yellow and red.

The hosts have made the venue their stronghold, blending possession football with high pressing. The key will once again be their midfield engine — Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina — who dictate tempo and disrupt opponents’ rhythm.

If they can control the center and supply Icardi, it could be another long night for Besiktas defenders.

Probable Lineups

Galatasaray: Ugurcan; Jakobs, Abdulkadir, Sanchez, Singo; Lemina, Torreira; Ilkay, Baris, Yunus; Osimhen.

Besiktas: Mert; Jurasek, Emirhan, Djalo, Gokhan; Ndidi, Orkun; Rafa, Cerny, Jota; El Bilal (or Abraham).

Expect Buruk to use Ilkay as a creative pivot behind Osimhen, while Yalcin might rely on Rafa Silva and Cerny to break quickly on the counter.

What’s at Stake

Beyond three points, this match is about momentum, pride, and identity. Galatasaray want to extend their lead at the top and continue their domestic dominance. Besiktas need a result to silence critics and prove they can still compete for the title.

For both sets of fans, a derby win defines the week — and sometimes, the whole season.

When the whistle blows tonight at Rams Park, Istanbul will hold its breath. Two giants, one city, one night to remember.