Anatolian sides full of eastern promise

Provinces rise
Ten matches into the Süper Lig season and Galatasaray AŞ, Fenerbahçe SK and, to a lesser extent, Beşiktaş JK have all dropped plenty of points, raising hopes that the title might leave Istanbul for the first time in 25 years come May, with 1983/84 champions Trabzonspor leading the quest. The Black Sea side top the Süper Lig table as Ersun Yanal has fashioned an effective, winning side following wholesale squad changes over the summer. "Saying our only goal is the title could lead to a disappointment," said the coach. "But we need to build on our squad, a blend of youth and experience, by getting the support of Trabzonspor fans."

Triumphant return
Capital side Ankaraspor lie second, a point adrift of Trabzonspor, having been stuck in the relegation zone this time last season. Aykut Kocaman resigned as coach in October 2007 but was hired again at the start of the season and has his side playing some smart passing football. "I am here to accomplish an incomplete mission," he said. "I believe in the power of my team."

Defining example
Beşiktaş are third, three points clear of Bülent Uygun's Sivasspor, who finished fourth last season having been in the top three for much of the season. The coach said: "What we achieved last year with a limited budget and squad set the benchmark. Other clubs made investments and the presidents of Kayserispor, Bursaspor and Gaziantepspor all said they were competing for their first titles. Nothing will be the same again."

Ambitious Kayserispor
Kayserispor are sixth, level on points with fifth-placed Galatasaray, and have proved equal to the biggest sides this season, drawing 0-0 with Galatasaray, beating Fenerbahçe 4-1 away and then seeing off Beşiktaş 1-0 at home. "I have motivation and big targets," said coach Tolunay Kafkas. "If our club can make economic advances, we will achieve big things."

Stability crucial
Trabzonspor's financial muscle sets them aside from Ankaraspor, Sivasspor and Kayserispor, all of whom have drawn considerable strength from maintaining the same core squads they had last season. However, the four 'Anatolian' challengers have coaching continuity in common, and consistency will be crucial from here on in. The big Istanbul clubs have been punching well below their weight, but they have the playing resources to quickly turn the tide. However, with three berths set aside for Turkish clubs in next season's inaugural UEFA Europa League, there is every motivation for the sides from east of the Bosphorus to achieve.