Fenerbahçe vs Istanbul – News and Probable Lineups

In a state of resignation regarding yet another potential loss of the Turkish Super Lig title, Fenerbahce is set to face Istanbul Basaksehir at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium this Saturday evening, fully aware that a victory might not suffice to prevent Galatasaray from capturing the championship.

Currently, the Yellow Canaries find themselves seven points behind the leaders, and should the league frontrunners secure a win, the title will be mathematically clinched, even if Fenerbahce also wins this match.

Match overview

Fenerbahce has only suffered two league defeats throughout the current season; however, the timing of these setbacks, combined with some critical draws, illustrates why they might have to extend their wait for a Super Lig title since the 2013-14 season.

The Yellow Canaries remained unbeaten in the league until the 26th round, where they unexpectedly lost 2-0 to Fatih Karagumruk, the bottom-placed team. Although they managed to respond with three consecutive victories, a 2-2 draw against Caykur Rizespor, where they conceded a late equaliser, saw them miss an opportunity to capitalize on Galatasaray’s slips during that time.

A significant blow came in their most recent league match, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Galatasaray at RAMS Park during the Intercontinental Derby. Fenerbahce missed a first-half penalty and later had Ederson, their former Manchester City goalkeeper, sent off by referee Yasin Kol, reducing them to ten players.

Following that loss, the club decided to part ways with manager Domenico Tedesco, after previously losing 1-0 in extra time to Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup, effectively ending any hopes of lifting a trophy this season.

Now under the interim management of Zeki Murat Gole, the focus has shifted to securing the second spot and a place in next season’s Champions League, especially with Trabzonspor closely behind, just two points off in third place.

Basaksehir, currently unbeaten in their last five matches (2W, 3D), will be eager to exacerbate Fenerbahce’s troubles as they aim to narrow the five-point deficit to fourth-placed Besiktas, who currently hold the last European qualification slot.

As they pursue teams above them, the Grey Owls must also be cautious of those behind, as they are tied on points with sixth-placed Goztepe, only ahead due to goal difference.

Nuri Sahin’s squad understands that even a fifth-place finish could secure European qualification, depending on the Turkish Cup results, particularly if Besiktas or Trabzonspor—both currently in the top four—end up winning the trophy.

That said, Basaksehir heads into this fixture brimming with confidence after a dominant 4-0 win against Kasimpasa, and having already held Fenerbahce to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, they are optimistic about avoiding defeat once again.

Team News

Fenerbahce will miss several players for this match, with Edson Alvarez being the sole absentee due to injury as he continues his recovery from an ankle issue.

The remaining absentees are all due to suspensions, affecting Archie Brown, Matteo Guendouzi, and Mert Muldur, who are all sidelined due to accumulated yellow cards. Ederson’s suspension after his red card leaves Mert Gunok to step in as the goalkeeper.

Sidiki Cherif, aiming to break his goal drought since March, is anticipated to lead the attacking line once again as the hosts strive to regain their scoring form after failing to find the net in their two previous matches.

On the other hand, Basaksehir has no significant absentees and will take advantage of a fully fit squad, with Eldor Shomurodov expected to play just behind the striker.

The Uzbek forward netted two goals in the last game and is now only two goals shy of Paul Onuachu, the league’s top scorer.

Additionally, Davie Selke has been making a habit of impactful substitute appearances, scoring in the previous match, and will be vying for a starting position as he looks to net goals for three consecutive games.

Fenerbahce probable starting XI:

Anger; Semedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Mercan; Kante, Fred; Nene, Talisca, Actorcogl; Cherif

Istanbul Basaksehir probable starting XI:

Sengezer; Sahiner, Duarte, Ba, Karatas; Kemen, Gunes; Sari, Shomurodov, Harit; Yıldırım

Fenerbahce is currently experiencing a challenging phase, with reports indicating that players are seeking to leave the team at season’s end. With the team’s morale dipping, this could represent a prime opportunity for Basaksehir to depart Sukru Saracoglu with a favorable result.