Basaksehir

Basaksehir finished 4th last season after W18 D7 L13 record. They stayed full 41 points behind the eventual champions Galatasaray but only 6 points behind 3rd place. This ended up being a decent campaign considering that 10 rounds into the season Basaksehir were in the relegation zone. The team’s defence played well all campaign and carried the main load. Basaksehir had the 3rd best defensive record in the end, only 43 conceded goals in 38 games. Coach Atan was appointed only last September. He’s now doing his utmost to keep the main core of defenders in the squad. Still, Leo Dubois returned to Galatasaray and he was a great contributor last season. Atan seems happy to rely on the same personnel and tactics as last spring. The only new arrival so far this summer is attacking midfielder Matchoi Djaló. He is young and seen more as a development prospect for the future. The main trio in defence Ba-Opoku-Duarte should be key figures once more. Up front Piatek was the only reliable goalscorer last season. Atan hopes to get more from João Figueiredo and the winter arrival Davidson this season. Özcan-Pelkas-Turuc will be the backbone of the midfield line. Basaksehir have a large squad and them playing in Europe shouldn’t be a problem. The depth is good so the rotation options will be plenty.