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European distractions may cost Basaksehir in opener

Bursaspor goal threat Bogdan Stancu
Bursaspor goal threat Bogdan StancuCredit: Getty Images

Istanbul Basaksehir v Bursaspor
7.45pm Friday

The new Turkish season begins with bookmakers expecting last term's surprise package Istanbul Basaksehir to stuff Bursaspor, who are managed by Paul Le Guen for the first time.

It feels like a changing of the guard in the Super Lig with Besiktas having won back-to-back championships with Basaksehir second, while Fenerbahce were down in third and Galatasaray fourth.

However, Basaksehir look a little short for this contest and it could pay to take the outsiders on the Asian handicap.

Bursaspor were a woeful 14th, hence the change of manager with Le Guen now at the helm and the former Rangers boss could lead the Crocodiles to a more respectable placing this season.

The visitors have concentrated on improving the defence over the summer with the permanent signings of Titi, William Troost-Ekong and Baris, while Emmanuel Badu is a smart loan signing from Udinese.

Bogdan Stancu remains at the club and if Basaksehir have one eye on next week's Champions League playoff against Sevilla it may not be as simple as the odds suggest.

The sale of Cengiz Under to Roma has left a hole in the creativity department that Eljero Elia will attempt to fill in a bid to supply Emmanuel Adebayor but the winger is inconsistent.

Gael Clichy is another summer signing but they don't look a great bet at 5-1 to claim the title this season.

Besiktas, odds-on in places, are 6-4 with Betway for the hat-trick with Fener 4-1 and Galatasaray at 9-2.

Recommendation
Bursaspor +1 on Asian handicap
1pt 19-17 188Bet

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