Bonus!  Set to kickoff this Saturday are two derbies that are flying under many people’s radar, but not mine.  In Turkey, we have an Istanbul Derby; and in Scotland, it’s the Old Firm Derby!  Thus, I’ve provided you with two Bonus Shorts that are sure to wet the whistle this weekend.  Enjoy!

Rangers FC vs Celtic FC
Ladbrokes Premiership, Matchday 7
Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Saturday, September 23rd, 2017    7:00AM EST

Our early bird special is the heated Old Firm Derby pitting Rangers against Celtic!  By far Scotland’s two most dominant clubs, these two teams are set to square off for the first time this season.  Per usual, the Hoops are first in the Scottish League through six games.  They’ve won 5 and drawn 1.  Meanwhile, Rangers are currently sitting in third place, 5 points adrift of eternal rivals Celtic.  Last season, the Teddy Bears must have been pulling their teeth out watching Celtic romp through the league and the two domestic cups, on way to an unbeaten season.  That’s right, the Bhoys went34-4-0 on way to winning the League.  As well as steamrolling through the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup.  This year though, Rangers are hoping for better fortunes.  If that’s to come to fruition, a win at home against rivals Celtic is a must.  In order to accomplish this feat, the Teddy Bears will need to tame the Celts three headed attacking monster: Moussa Dembele, Leigh Griffiths, and Scott Sinclair.  In addition, Rangers must be effective on the counter attack.  Look for youngster Alfredo Morelos to be the one finishing off said counters as he’s scored 6 goals from 6 League matches thus far this season. 

LSB Prediction: On paper Celtic should win this one, but in reality it’s Scotland’s biggest derby and one of the fiercest in the world.  Thus, through Morelos, Rangers will get on the board early, putting pressure on the Hoops.  But, over the course of the game, the trident of Dembele, Griffiths, and Sinclair will simply be too much for Rangers to handle.  By game’s end, the the Teddy Bears will ultimately be forced into hibernation.  3-1 Celtic FC

Fenerbahçe SK vs Beşiktaş JK
Süper Lig, Matchday 6
Şükrü Saracoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Saturday, September 23rd, 2017    12:30PM EST

Just after noon, the second derby delight is on tap as Beşiktaş squares off against city rivals Fenerbahçe! These two Istanbul clubs have faced each other 343 times over the past 93 years.  During this period, the meetings have been rather even.  Fenerbahçe has a slight lead in wins with 130 to Beşiktaş’ 123, but an additional 90 matches have been drawn.  With that said, based on Beşiktaş’ results of recent seasons, I’d say the Black Eagles are favorites this time around.  The Black and Whites are back-to-back Süper Lig Champions, and currently tied on points with another Istanbul rival Galatasaray atop the table this campaign.  Fenerbahçe meanwhile is five paces behind Gala and Beşiktaş in eighth place.  However, as aforementioned, derby matches have a way of evening things out, especially with the Yellow Canaries playing in front of a home crowd.  Thus, look for Dutchman Robin Van Persie and Brazilian José Fernandão to be threats in the box for Fenerbahçe.  As for Beşiktaş, talented Benfica loanee Talisca and Álvaro Negredo will pose a stern challenge for the Canaries’ Martin Škrtel throughout the full 90 minutes.  

LSB Prediction:  There perhaps isn’t a more imposing home field advantage in Europe than that of an Istanbul crowd.  Whether it’d be Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, Galatasaray, or even İstanbul Başakşehir, the fans that fill the stadiums possess a euphoric, raucous, and borderline threatening atmosphere from the second they take their seats.  Thus, the Canaries will definitely feel as though they have a 12th man on the pitch.  Therefore, I foresee old timer Van Persie and fellow forward Fernandão coming up with the goods, and converting twice.  Meanwhile, the Slovak Škrtel will stymie the Black Eagles.  2-0 Fenerbahçe SK