Karagümrük vs Fenerbahçe – News and Probable Lineups

Fenerbahce, currently in second place, has the opportunity to temporarily reduce the gap at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table when they face last-placed Fatih Karagumruk in one of the initial matchups of Round 25 on Friday.

The Yellow Canaries trail leaders Galatasaray by four points, who will play against Istanbul Basaksehir the following day, while the Black Reds are eight points away from safety with nine matches remaining in the season.

Match overview

Having consistently been second to two-time defending champions Galatasaray in the previous Super Lig seasons, Fenerbahce finds themselves in a similar predicament this year, even though they are the sole team in the league still unbeaten.

In a title race marred by frustrating draws, the Yellow Canaries recently missed the chance to claim maximum points on a weekend when the league leaders lost to Konyaspor, and another draw against Antalyaspor in their subsequent league match extended their deficit at the top.

Nevertheless, Domenico Tedesco’s squad finally secured a much-needed win last weekend – although not without another dramatic finish – overcoming a goal deficit to achieve a 3-2 victory over Samsunspor, with Nene Dorgeles netting an equalizer in the 89th minute and Sidiki Cherif scoring the winner in stoppage time.

Fenerbahce has now remained unbeaten in five matches across all competitions since their first-leg defeat in the Europa League playoff round to Nottingham Forest; this streak includes a 2-1 success in the return fixture at City Ground, which ultimately was insufficient to prevent elimination, along with a 4-0 triumph against Gaziantep, sending them into the Turkish Cup quarter-finals.

This recent form indicates that the Yellow Canaries have scored at least two goals in each of their last four fixtures; however, they have also conceded multiple goals in their two league outings within that timeframe, a situation Tedesco will likely prioritize addressing before their trip on Friday.

Historically, Fenerbahce may feel optimistic, having won their last five competitive encounters against this weekend’s opponents despite conceding in each match, including a 2-1 triumph in their earlier meeting this season.

With a record of eight wins in 13 away league fixtures (D5), the Yellow Canaries should take additional confidence into this match, boasting the best away performance in the division.

On the other hand, only Kasimpasa (eight) has accumulated fewer points at home than Karagumruk (nine) in this Super Lig season, providing little hope for the match on Friday.

Since their return to the top tier this season, the Black Reds have encountered significant difficulties, with sporadic victories interrupted by prolonged winless streaks, losing 17 of their 25 league encounters (W3, D5), the most in the league.

Currently on a four-match winless streak in the Super Lig (D2, L2), Aleksandar Stanojevic’s team played out a 1-1 stalemate against Gaziantep last weekend, with forward Serginho scoring an equalizer just minutes after being subbed on.

This outcome meant the Black Reds could not capitalize on their domestic cup victory against lower-division side Fethiyespor, which marks Karagumruk’s only win in their last five competitive fixtures, while a 1-0 victory over Antalyaspor on February 7 remains their only win in the last 13 league matches (D4, L8).

Team News

Karagumruk may be without defender Davide Biraschi, who had to leave the field last time due to a hamstring issue, while forward Joao Camacho continues his recovery from a knee injury that has sidelined him since November.

Conversely, Turkish center-back Anil Cinar is available for selection again following his suspension last match, and Serginho is also likely to push for a place in the starting XI after his impressive substitute performance last weekend.

As for Fenerbahce, their first-choice goalkeeper Ederson will not participate on Friday as he serves a one-match suspension for accumulating yellow cards, meaning Mert Gunok is expected to take the goalkeeping position.

The visitors will also be without defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez, who has been out with an ankle issue since early February, while full-back Nelson Semedo is expected to be unavailable until April as he recovers from a knee-related injury.

Moreover, both forward Anderson Talisca and center-back Caglar Soyuncu are anticipated to be out for a couple more weeks due to muscular issues.

Fatih Karagumruk probable starting XI:

Grbic; Esgaio, Kuruk, Lichnoxy, Mladenovic; Kranevitter, Elmaz; Verde, Ozcan, Larsson; Tinsmith

Fenerbahce probable starting XI:

Anger; Muldur, Demir, Oosterwolde, Mercan; Guendouzi, Kante; Musaba, Asensio, Acturcoglu; Cherif

Resilience is beginning to show for Karagumruk, as they have gone two matches without defeat, though these results were against lower division teams and an out-of-form Gaziantep side.

However, facing Fenerbahce presents a significantly different challenge, and it is expected that the visitors will secure all three points to increase pressure on league leaders Galatasaray, although goals from both sides seem likely considering the Yellow Canaries’ defensive vulnerabilities.