Samsunspor vs Fenerbahçe – News and Probable Lineups

Samsunspor will face Fenerbahce at Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu on Sunday during the third round of the Turkish Super Lig, as both teams aim to build on their recent league victories.

Following an entertaining stalemate against Goztepe, Thorsten Fink’s team secured a 2-0 away win over Rizespor, while Fenerbahce bounced back from an opening match loss against Genclerbirligi with a 4-2 triumph over Konyaspor.

Match overview

Samsunspor has begun the season positively, earning four points from their first two fixtures despite allowing three goals in the match against Goztepe.

The exciting 3-3 draw in their opener was one of the highlights of the initial round, with the Red Lightning taking the lead twice before Goztepe turned the tide, but Celil Yuksel saved a point with a late strike from outside the area.

Following that, Fink’s squad delivered a more disciplined display against Rizespor, winning 2-0 even though the home side managed 28 shots and had an expected goals (xG) of 1.85.

Samsunspor displayed great efficiency by scoring through Joe Mendes and Fatih Kaya while denying the Rize team despite their intense pressure.

This victory highlighted an important asset in Samsunspor’s roster, showcasing their ability to achieve results without controlling possession or creating numerous chances, a factor that will be crucial against Fenerbahce, who are expected to dominate the ball for significant portions.

The Red Lightning are eager to break a six-match winless streak against Fenerbahce in the Super Lig, during which they have suffered two defeats and drawn four times; this trend extends to eight matches when considering all competitions, including losses in both the Super Cup and Turkish Cup.

Nonetheless, Samsunspor can take confidence from their recent meetings with Fenerbahce, where the last five league encounters have resulted in four draws, a result that wouldn’t be the worst outcome in this instance.

On the other hand, Fenerbahce comes to Samsun post their initial league defeat, now riding a three-match unbeaten streak across all competitions (2W, 1D).

Ismail Kartal’s side experienced a 2-1 loss against Genclerbirligi on the season’s kickoff but quickly responded with a 4-2 win versus Konyaspor, followed by a commendable 2-1 victory over Lyon in Europe, progressing through the Champions League qualifiers with a 3-2 aggregate win.

The win against Konyaspor was constructed on a thrilling first half, beginning with Vedat Muriqi scoring early, followed by Ebrima Colley equalizing, yet Mason Greenwood restored Fenerbahce’s lead and assisted Marco Asensio for a third goal before half-time, and then netting a brace shortly after the break.

Muriqi continued his good form against Lyon, netting the opener in the 24th minute before Greenwood set up Archie Brown for the second just minutes later, ensuring the win even with a concession in the second half.

Both Greenwood and Muriqi have started strongly in their Turkish careers and aim to have another impact, while Romelu Lukaku is still looking to leave his mark after only featuring as a substitute thus far.

Team News

Samsunspor will likely make at least one key alteration as Marius Mouandilmadji is ruled out due to a thigh injury, with a return not expected until early September.

Antoine Makoumbou is also doubtful because of a gastrointestinal issue, while Afonso Sousa, Elayis Taxn, Igor Drapinski, Yunus Emre Cift, and Kouadou Assoumou are among the other unavailable players.

Kaya is anticipated to spearhead the attack after finding the net against Rizespor, with Emre Kilinc and Saikouba Jarju providing backup. If Makoumbou cannot recover in time, Celil Yuksel and Elliot Watt are expected to retain their places in midfield.

On the contrary, Fenerbahce has a broader selection of options despite their injury list, with Ederson anticipated to remain in goal, and Milan Skriniar alongside Nathan Ake likely to form the center-back pairing.

The availability of Caglar Soyuncu should be monitored, while Marco Asensio, Kerem Akturkoglu, Jayden Oosterwolde, and Mert Gunok are expected to be sidelined.

Samsunspor probable starting XI:

Whisker; Tomasson, Diabate, Borekovic, Mendes; Kayan, Yuksel, Watt; Kilinc, Rich, George

Fenerbahce probable starting XI:

Ederson; Semedo, Skriniar, Ake, Brown; Guendouzi, Kante; Greenwood, Talisca, Grandma; Fool

The unbeaten start by Samsunspor, coupled with their home advantage and recent ability to make this matchup fiercely competitive, suggests that Fenerbahce should prepare for a challenging evening.

Nonetheless, it is expected that the higher attacking quality of the visitors will eventually tip the balance, with Greenwood’s ability to exploit space and Muriqi’s presence in the box likely providing enough edge to secure a narrow victory and their second league win of the season.