In a pivotal clash for survival in the Türkiye Kupası, Başakşehir and Boluspor face off at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium on January 13, 2026. With both teams seeking redemption after rocky starts to their cup campaigns, this match is more than just another fixture; it's a battle for momentum that could define their seasons.
Predicted Lineups:
- Başakşehir: GK: Muhammed Şengezer, DEF: Ömer Ali Şahiner, Jerome Opoku, Léo Duarte, Onur Bulut, MID: Umut Güneş, Olivier Kemen, Amine Harit, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, FWD: Eldor Shomurodov.
- Boluspor: GK: Turker Dirdiroglu, DEF: Lucas Lima, Loic Kouagba, Işık Kaan Arslan, Ömürcan Artan, MID: Dean Lico, Devran Şenyurt, Doğan Can Davas; FWD: Florent Hasani.
The stakes couldn't be higher. After suffering a shock defeat against Galatasaray in their opening cup match and failing to secure wins against Fenerbahçe and Westerlo in recent outings-drawing twice-the pressure is on Başakşehir to not just deliver results but also entertain. Meanwhile, Boluspor has shown flashes of promise but struggled with consistency. A solid victory over Van BB last week has given them a glimmer of hope as they strive to prove they can stand toe-to-toe with top-tier opponents.
Analyzing the Form
Başakşehir's recent form offers insight into their tactical struggles. Their attacking prowess was on full display in a dominant 5-1 victory over Gazişehir Gaziantep-highlighting an ability to create opportunities-but they have also faltered against tougher competition. They managed only a single goal against both Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray and drew once more against Westerlo despite controlling much of the game. With an average possession rate above 50% across those matches and superior pass accuracy hovering around 88%, they certainly know how to maintain ball control but need sharper cutting edge in front of goal.
On the flip side, despite suffering inconsistencies themselves (like a disappointing loss to Pendikspor), Boluspor's resilience shone through recently with commanding displays marked by high possession stats-often exceeding 60%. This tendency allows them not only to dictate play but sets up exciting counter-attacks from players like Florent Hasani who netted four goals this season-a potential game-changer here.
Statistically speaking:
- Başakşehir boasts significant dominance in total shots (17 per game against Gaziantep) compared to Boluspor's average of around 12 per match during their most recent league games. Yet while Başakşehir is testing keepers effectively (5 goals from open play vs. just one set-piece), they will have to tighten their defense; lapses led them to concede cheap goals recently.
- Conversely, Boluspor shows better efficiency with an expected goals (xG) rate nearing parity with actual tallies due largely to disciplined defending strategies. However-crucially-they must capitalize on limited chances created if they hope to wrest points from this clash.
Tactical Battles Ahead
Key player battles could shape the outcome as well:
- The duel between Başakşehir's Eldor Shomurodov, leading scorer with eight goals this season and Boluspor's Florent Hasani, who averages a rating near 7.21 should ignite fireworks upfront.
- The midfield tussle is essential too: Umut Güneş must impose himself upon Dean Lico. Güneş' ability to recycle possession seamlessly could tip the scales when combined with his teammates' attacking flair.
Given both managers tend towards adaptable formations-a strategic back-and-forth throughout seems likely-expect fierce confrontations in midfield and dynamic wing play attempting to exploit defensive frailties exposed by either side's errant passing or lack of cover.
Prediction
After dissecting each team's strengths and weaknesses through meticulous statistical interpretation-it boils down to execution under pressure. Both teams possess attacking talents capable of turning moments into magic; however, it appears Başakşehir, due mainly to home advantage and overall depth in squad quality plus experience from tight-knit encounters earlier this season-edges out here.
If they can recapture that form exhibited against lower-tier opposition while avoiding defensive slip-ups seen at key moments-they are well-positioned for a critical victory that could rejuvenate morale ahead of tougher fixtures looming ahead.
Expect sparks fly as tactics unfold-my prediction? A narrow 2-1 win for Başakşehir, driven by decisive contributions from Shomurodov alongside the crafty interplay within midfield ultimately dictating pace and direction in this heated encounter!