Galatasaray vs Fenerbahçe – News and Probable Lineups

Galatasaray is set to bolster their status at the summit of the Super Lig when they host arch-rivals Fenerbahce for Monday’s Intercontinental derby at RAMS Park.

Okan Buruk’s squad stands atop the league with 19 points after eight fixtures, three points clear of third-placed Fenerbahce, who are on a winning streak with three consecutive victories in the league.

Match overview

Galatasaray has had a solid start to their title defense, securing six wins from their first eight league encounters (D1, L1), with their most recent match concluding in a narrow 1-0 win against Genclerbirligi, courtesy of a late goal from Deniz Gul, their new signing.

Following that success, Buruk’s men recorded a notable 4-2 away win at Lille in the Champions League, bouncing back from a heavy 4-1 home defeat to Barcelona just eight days prior, thus achieving their first victory in the league stage after three continental outings.

Back to domestic competition, the reigning champions are keen to achieve three back-to-back league wins for the second time this season, having also triumphed over Kasimpasa 3-1 on October 9 in response to their only league defeat, which was a disappointing 4-0 loss to Trabzonspor.

While Galatasaray may not possess the most potent offense in the league, their record of over two goals per game from eight Super Lig matches places them fifth in the scoring rankings, whereas the 11 goals conceded indicates an area requiring improvement.

The Cimbom can still draw confidence from their impressive home record, as they have remained undefeated in their last 39 Super Lig matches at RAMS Park, amassing 31 victories and eight draws, with Fenerbahce being the last team to win there in the league after a 1-0 triumph in May 2024.

On the other hand, Fenerbahce comes into this derby with a three-match winning run in the league, having netted 14 goals across commanding victories over Eyupspor (8-0), Rizespor (3-0), and Alanyaspor (3-0), while maintaining clean sheets in their last four league games.

The Yellow Canaries have noticeably improved after a less convincing start to the season, earning seven points from their initial five league fixtures before claiming maximum points in their last three matches.

Ismail Kartal’s men also possess the most prolific attack in the Super Lig, having scored 22 times, which is four more than any other team, while their defense, having conceded six goals, boasts the second-best record in the division, behind Trabzonspor, who have allowed five goals.

However, Fenerbahce has found it challenging to mirror their domestic success on the European stage, as they drew 2-2 at home against Slavia Prague in the Champions League midweek after relinquishing a two-goal advantage, continuing their search for a first win in the league phase.

Moreover, their away performance in the Super Lig has been somewhat underwhelming, accumulating seven points from a possible 12, although their recent back-to-back victories on the last two league travels provide a silver lining ahead of Monday’s clash.

Fenerbahce also needs to break a difficult recent trend against their staunch rivals, having gone winless in their last four league derbies against Galatasaray, with two draws and two losses, including a 3-0 defeat in their latest trip to RAMS Park in April.

Team News

Galatasaray is currently assessing the fitness of Rafael Leao, who missed the match against Lille due to a groin strain and remains uncertain for Monday’s fixture.

There are also doubts surrounding the left-wing position as Baris Yilmaz played despite discomfort during the Champions League victory, possibly leading Buruk to make a decision regarding his attack options.

Wilfried Singo was an unused substitute against Lille, indicating that the defender is close to returning to full fitness after dealing with a thigh injury that has sidelined him since late August.

Torreira served a suspension against Genclerbirligi following his red card against Kasimpasa and is anticipated to return, while Lesley Ugochukwu is available once more after completing a two-match ban.

Victor Osimhen is expected to spearhead the attack, as the Nigerian forward has scored six league goals this season and heads into the derby with high spirits after netting against his former club midweek.

Fenerbahce will be without Marco Asensio, who has undergone surgery for a cartilage issue in his left knee, while Nathan Ake is anticipated to be out for around three weeks following a hamstring injury sustained against Slavia Prague.

Mert Muldur’s situation remains uncertain due to a meniscus problem, while Jayden Oosterwolde is also being monitored as he recovers from injury. Amara Diouf has yet to make an appearance since his arrival in the summer as he continues his recovery to full fitness.

Vedat Muriqi has found the net seven times in the Super Lig this season, with only Trabzonspor’s Mohamed Salah ahead with eight, making him expected to lead the charge for Fenerbahce ahead of Romelu Lukaku.

Galatasaray probable starting XI:

Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Elmali; Torreira, Lemina; Sane, Sarah, Yilmaz; Osimhen

Fenerbahce probable starting XI:

Ederson; Semedo, Skriniar, Oppong, Mercan; Kante, Guendouzi; Aydin, Kahveci, Greenwood; Fool

Fenerbahce’s recent league performance makes them a formidable adversary, but their potential defensive absences may render them vulnerable against a Galatasaray side that has proven particularly tough to beat at home.

The hosts’ impressive record at RAMS Park and Osimhen’s ability to find the back of the net give them a slight advantage, and it seems likely that Buruk’s team will secure all three points in this derby.