Fenerbahce will host Galatasaray in the Intercontinental derby in the Super Lig. This is the first of two matches between the teams to conclude 2023 in their 398th meeting before they get together to fight in the Turkish Super Kupa on December 29.
Preview (Fenerbahce vs. Galatasaray)
As things stand right now, there might not be much separating the sides until the 400th installment of the largest game in Turkey takes place on the penultimate weekend of the season. The Super Lig title is already down to a two-horse fight, with third-place Kayserispor a massive 14 points behind. During the midweek resumption of Turkish domestic football, both teams maintained their incredible starts. They have dropped just five points between them in their 16 league games played thus far. They both won by a close margin of one goal.
The league was placed on temporary suspension after Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca attacked referee Halil Umut Meler. Koca subsequently resigned, was jailed, and was given a lifelong ban from playing football by the Turkish Football Federation. On Wednesday, Fenerbahce faced Kayserispor in yet another thrilling match to cap off an incredible season. Fener needed a penalty kick from Michy Batshuayi, which completed his hat-trick with ten minutes remaining to win 4-3 in Kayseri, despite leading 2-0 and 3-1. Fener appeared invincible after winning their first 19 games in all competitions. A 1terrible sequence of results in November forced Gala back into the running.
In addition to losing 6-1 against Nordsjaelland in the Europa Conference League, Ismail Kartal’s team drew at Adana Demirspor and won just one of their five games played in the month. Fener, however, is back on track after that crushing defeat in Denmark. In four straight victories, including a thrilling 3-1 victory over local rivals Besiktas, they have scored 15 goals. Fener’s 4-0 victory over Spartak Trnava guaranteed straight entry into the UECL final 16. It may have been crucial in avoiding a preliminary round playoff come February.
Team News
Fred and Mert Hakan Yandas, who were sent off during Fenerbahce’s thrilling victory against Kayserispor. They won’t be available for this match. Edin Dzeko, who scored 16 goals but missed the match due to a slight injury, is another major potential absence. Although Batshuayi’s hat-trick indicates Fener has a strong substitute, these goals were the Belgian’s first of the league since he has so far only been used in European matches. The hosts will welcome back Samet Akaydin from suspension, but Kartas has a lot of additional injury worries.
Ahead of the derby, Luan Peres, Ryan Kent, Miha Zajc, and Rodrigo Becao are all questionable. Lincoln is a surefire absentee because of his severe knee injury. Before the important game, Galatasaray will have a lot less selection issues thanks to the return of goalkeeper Fernando Muslera from suspension. Gunay Guvenc, who filled in over the midweek, is expected to be replaced by the seasoned international goalie from Uruguay, who was suspended following his fourth caution of the season. Wilfried Zaha recovered from a slight setback to start on the bench on Wednesday. Akturkoglu and Hakim Ziyech playing well. The Ivorian may have to make do with a spot as a substitute once more.
At left back, there is a three-way competition for the starting position. Baris Alper Yilmaz is the favorite against rookie Kazimcan Karatas and Angelino, who haven’t played much in the league this year. Before this match, Buruk’s primary injury concerns were Davinson Sanchez and Sergio Oliveira, who would both miss the game due to short-term problems.
Fenerbahce 3-3 Galatasaray
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