Istanbul rivals square off

By Türker Tozar

Besiktas JK visit the Ali Sami Yen stadium on Saturday night intent on claiming their 100th victory over Istanbul rivals Galatasaray SK.

Title chase
Galatasaray have dropped to third place in the Turkish Superleague after losing at Samsunspor last week, and with the gap between them and leaders Fenerbahçe SK now at five points, victory is essential if they are to stay in title contention. But Besiktas, ten points behind Galatasaray in fourth, are enjoying a revival and will make life hard for Gheorghe Hagi's men.

European ambition
The return of former player Riza Çalimbay has lifted Besiktas, who have won all four Superleague matches since the 42-year-old replaced Vicente Del Bosque as coach at the end of January. A fifth straight victory would reinforce their ambitions of a European place next season.

Good omens
And the omens are good for Çalimbay's team. Galatasaray have not beaten Besiktas in five attempts, their last success coming on 9 March 2002, 1-0 at the Ali Sami Yen. "I see this match as a final, so I'm not going to select any player who is not 100 per cent, physically or mentally," said Çalimbay, who is without leading scorer John Carew through suspension. "We cannot afford to lose. I have confidence in my side and we are thinking only about winning."

Hakan is back
Striker Arif Erdem spoke for the hosts, saying: "We want to win to stay on the trail of Fenerbahçe. We don't want another slip like against Samsunspor last week." Galatasaray's chances are helped by the availability of talisman Hakan Sükür who was rested for the midweek Turkish Cup tie against Diyarbakirspor. He may well be needed.