Super soccer, super drama

 The Turkish Super Lig is full-throttle football on the pitch and furious fan passion in the stands. The 68th edition of the tournament sees 18 teams battling for supremacy in Turkey, with the legendary Istanbul trio of Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas as the frontrunners. 

Who are the favorites?

Galatasaray are team to beat with the side chasing a fourth Turkish Super Lig victory in a row, to match the club’s four-peat title victories from the late 1990s. Jose Mourinho is back at the helm of Fenerbahce but faces an uphill battle as the Special One tries to bring the league title to the club for the first time since 2013-14. Besiktas were off the pace in the previous campaign and will be targeting a top three finish. 

Who are the players to watch?

The reigning champions have not been resting on their laurels and are continuing to build a star-studded squad. Galatasaray have turned last season’s loan move for Victor Osimhen from Napoli into a permanent signing. It’s a huge coup with the striker bagging 26 league goals in his first year in Turkey. Gala have also added Leroy Sane to the frontline after a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

Fenerbahce have also reinforced the attack. Colombian striker, Jhon Duran, will hope to put an end to unsettled year during a loan move from Al-Nassr.  

The back-four has also been boosted with the addition of Milan Skriniar and Nelson Semedo. Steel has been put into the midfield after the recruitment of Sofyan Amrabat.

The opening weekend

 Fenerbahce and Besiktas will be sitting out the opening weekend to prepare for European competitions, but Galatasaray lead the way at Gaziantep LIVE on BeIN SPORTS on Friday 8th August at 2:25PM ET / 11:25AM PT.