The Turkish Super Lig is the Only European Football League Still Standing
Published March 19, 2020 by Florin P
Besiktas and Sivasspor play potentially decisive matches in their quest for a Europa League berth, while the race to avoid relegation continues at the bottom of the Turkish Super Lig.
Virtually all football leagues are suspended while the coronavirus pandemic rage worldwide. Only the Turkish Super Lig still has matches scheduled for this weekend and some of the most exciting ones will take place on Saturday afternoon. Besiktas and Sivasspor are in the spotlight, as the two teams hope to secure a Europa League berth in the final rounds of the Turkish first division.
Besiktas and Sivasspor Chase their Europa League Dreams
Besiktas are just outside of the top four places which would give them a chance to play against the best European teams. In order to improve their position, they need to prevail at home against Antalyaspor, a team that comfortably sits at the middle of the standings. The hosts are finally without injured or suspended players and with the squad at full strength, odds of 9/20 offered by bet365 Sports are justified.
Sivasspor are currently eligible for a Europa League qualification round, but they can set their expectations even higher. That’s because only four points separate them from the leaders, so the gap could be closed with a victory over Denizlispor. The visitors lack motivation, but with the hosts having a plethora of players injured and suspended, odds of 1/2 on a home win barely cover the risks of a draw.
The Relegation Battle Heats up on Friday Evening
At the bottom of the Turkish Super Lig, the competition is every bit as intense, with seven teams still in danger of relegating. Malatyaspor and Kasimpasa are separated by a single point, so the direct match is likely to have a strong impact on their chances to avoid relegation. Malatyaspor are yet to win a match in the domestic championship this year, but they are still narrow favorites in the match starting at 2 PM UK time. The game is played without spectators, so the edge of the home team is reduced, hence the odds of 13/10. The visitors are capable of causing an upset and those who bet on their victory will be paid at 2/1.
Disclaimer:
The odds mentioned here were accurate at the featured bookmakers at the hour the article was written, respectively on Thursday, March 19 at 8 am UK time.
