Antalyaspor vs Fenerbahçe – News and Probable Lineups

With their European journey concluded, Fenerbahce must now focus entirely on the Turkish Super Lig title contest, starting with their trip to Antalyaspor on Sunday.

The Yellow Canaries missed the chance to take advantage of Galatasaray’s misstep against Konyaspor last weekend, managing only a home draw with Kasimpasa, which leaves them two points behind the leaders.

Match overview

Fenerbahce’s defeat in the Europa League to Nottingham Forest has left them reeling, extinguishing their continental dreams and intensifying their focus on domestic success.

After trailing 3-0 from the first leg of their knockout play-off, they traveled to Inglaterra needing something remarkable, and though Kerem Akturkoglu scored twice to clinch a 2-1 victory on the night, the aggregate result saw them eliminated 4-2.

This exit means Domenico Tedesco’s team must now handle the mental pressure of a closely-fought title race, although their league performance remains strong, remaining unbeaten in domestic competitions; still, their failure to seize momentum last weekend could have serious implications.

With Galatasaray’s 2-0 loss at Konyaspor creating an opportunity, Fenerbahce could have leveled on points, appearing to do so when Marco Asensio scored in the 95th minute, only for the Canaries to concede just six minutes later, resulting in a frustrating 1-1 draw.

Historically, the visitors have the edge in this matchup, being unbeaten in their last 12 competitive clashes with Antalyaspor, claiming nine victories and three draws, including a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Antalyaspor has faced notable defeats in this fixture in recent times, failing to find the net in the last four encounters, allowing nine goals during that stretch.

However, there are indications that the hosts could find some motivation, as Fenerbahce has not kept a clean sheet in their last six matches across all competitions, providing the Antalya side with hope to potentially breach the visitors’ defence.

The Scorpions appointed Sami Ugurlu in early January following Erol Bulut’s departure, hoping to boost their survival efforts, with results under Ugurlu being inconsistent.

Severe setbacks, such as a 6-0 Turkish Cup defeat to Igdir and 1-0 league losses to fellow relegation battlers Fatih Karagumruk and Kayserispor, have contrasted with encouraging victories over Samsunspor (3-1) and Genclerbirligi (2-1), as well as a respectable 1-1 draw with Trabzonspor.

Currently three points above the relegation zone, Antalyaspor will look to continue their trend under Ugurlu of elevating their performance against tougher opponents.

Team News

Antalyaspor comes into this match nearly at full strength, with Ramzi Safuri being the only significant doubt after missing the last game due to injury.

Swiss midfielder Samuel Ballet, who netted twice against Samsunspor but missed the defeat to Kayserispor due to suspension, is back and may provide a much-needed attacking boost.

On the other hand, Fenerbahce is coping with several crucial absences, as leading scorer Anderson Talisca is out with a hamstring injury, along with goalkeeper Ederson.

Midfielder Edson Alvarez is unavailable due to an ankle injury, while central defenders Milan Skriniar and Caglar Soyuncu are also absent due to groin and muscle injuries respectively, leaving Tedesco with limited defensive options.

Antalyaspor probable starting XI:

Julian; Balci, Turkmen, Sari, Paal; Dikmen, Saric; Ballet, Ceesay, Karakoc; From the region

Fenerbahce probable starting XI:

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

With their European campaign over, Fenerbahce needs to respond in the Turkish Super Lig title race, and despite their historical dominance over Antalyaspor in recent times, defensive shortcomings are still a lingering issue.

Nonetheless, while the hosts show competitiveness under Ugurlu’s management, Fenerbahce’s superior quality and urgency should prevail in this matchup.