Fenerbahçe vs. Samsunspor – News and Probable Lineups

Fenerbahce aims to regain their momentum as they strive to keep pace in the Turkish Super Lig title race. Hosting the struggling Samsunspor on Sunday should provide them with a chance for optimism in this endeavor.

The Yellow Canaries find themselves four points behind league leaders Galatasaray, with 10 matches remaining. With the top team set to face Besiktas in a crucial derby this weekend, Fenerbahce will look to seize any opportunity presented by a potential slip.

Match overview

Fenerbahce may be feeling vexed with their recent outcomes as the gap to Galatasaray has expanded despite having chances to narrow it—when the league leaders fell to Konyaspor recently, the Yellow Canaries failed to capitalize.

That same weekend, they conceded a late equalizer to draw 1-1 against Kasimpasa, and followed it up with another disappointing game against Antalyaspor—after going down 2-0, Fenerbahce fought back to achieve a 2-2 draw, missing out on crucial points in the title chase.

These two draws have also occurred in the wake of their Europa League exit at the hands of Nottingham Forest, increasing the scrutiny on the Istanbul club to secure domestic success.

The Yellow Canaries responded positively midweek by progressing in the Turkish Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory away against Gaziantep FK, and they will be eager to carry that momentum into Sunday’s league battle.

Having the unique distinction of being the only team in the Super Lig yet to taste defeat after 24 matches (15 wins and nine draws), Fenerbahce recognizes that a streak of victories is vital if they hope to catch Galatasaray during the season’s final phase.

However, recent encounters with Samsunspor have proven to be tightly contested, with the last four league meetings finishing level; encouragingly, for the hosts, they did manage a convincing 2-0 triumph over Samsunspor in the Turkish Cup back in January.

Ironically, the Samsun side arrives in Istanbul with a similar pattern, having drawn their last two league games as part of a four-match winless streak in the Super Lig.

Thorsten Fink’s squad has faced difficulties in attack during this period, failing to score in either of their last two league fixtures—in a goalless draw against bottom side Fatih Karagumruk, they did not manage a single shot on target, while their stalemate with Gaziantep saw three attempts made, yet they still couldn’t find the net.

Interestingly, the Red Lightning have appeared far more potent in cup competitions, scoring six goals across two cup clashes in between those league draws; they first overwhelmed KF Shkendija 4-0 in the second leg of their Europa League knockout playoff before defeating Antalyaspor 2-0 in the Turkish Cup on Thursday.

Nonetheless, the last two league encounters between Samsunspor and Fenerbahce have concluded without goals, a result that would likely favor the visitors more than the home side in this scenario.

Team News

Fenerbahce will continue to be without Edson Alvarez, who is recovering from an ankle injury, while Caglar Soyuncu is also out with a muscle issue.

Anderson Talisca is unavailable due to a hamstring problem, and Nelson Semedo is doubtful after picking up an injury during the cup victory over Gaziantep.

However, there was positive news for the Yellow Canaries from that match, as goalkeeper Ederson made his return from injury and is expected to keep his spot in goal, although Milan Skriniar remains unavailable but could make a return ahead of the derby against Besiktas next month.

Samsunspor also travels with a number of injury concerns. Bedirhan Cetin is unable to play due to a knee issue, while Afonso Sousa is still in recovery from an ankle injury.

Emre Kilinc will not participate due to a calf tear, and Jaures Assoumou has been ruled out following a grade three tear to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee sustained during the draw with Gaziantep.

Fenerbahce probable starting XI:

Anger; Semedo, Demir, Oosterwolde, Muldur; Guendouzi, Kante; Nene, Asensio, Acturcoglu; Cherif

Samsunspor probable starting XI:

Whisker; Yavru, Sakta, Drongelen, Thomasson; Makoumbou, Ntcham; Hired, Holse, Mendes; Who

Fenerbahce should regard this match as a significant opportunity to return to winning form, especially with Galatasaray facing a challenging derby this weekend.

While Samsunspor has shown to be tough opponents in their recent encounters, their difficulties in attack and ongoing injury issues might prove detrimental in Istanbul, as the home side has greater depth and quality—and if they maintain the attacking form exhibited midweek, they should generate enough chances to break the deadlock and secure a crucial win.