Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce – News and Probable Lineups

Trabzonspor, currently in third place, will face second-placed Fenerbahce at Papara Park on Saturday evening in an important Turkish Super Lig clash, as both teams strive to narrow the gap with leaders Galatasaray.

In this intense rivalry in Turquia, the Black Sea Storm are trailing by seven points, while the Yellow Canaries are four points behind.

Match overview

Trabzonspor is experiencing their best season since their title triumph in 2021-22, having earned 45 points from 21 league matches, only five points short of their tally at the corresponding stage of their championship-winning campaign.

Under the guidance of Fatih Tekke, who took over last season, there has been a notable change, as he aims to end a four-match losing streak in this fixture and be the first team to inflict a league defeat on Fenerbahce this season.

The hosts come into this encounter with confidence, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, achieving five wins and one draw, which includes four league games with three victories and a draw.

Both offensive and defensive displays have been impressive recently, with Trabzonspor netting six unanswered goals in victories against Fethiyespor in the Turkish Cup and Samsunspor in the league.

The support of the home crowd could again be crucial, as Trabzonspor is among just three teams—alongside Galatasaray and Fenerbahce—that have yet to lose a league match at home this season, boasting a record of six wins and four draws, ranking them third in terms of home points in the league.

On the other hand, Fenerbahce will not be intimidated by these statistics as they relentlessly chase Galatasaray in their quest to end a title drought that has lasted over 12 years.

Domenico Tedesco’s team has been particularly strong away from home, with no team gathering more points on the road than their 25 thus far, and they have also netted a league-high 25 goals away.

The 3-1 triumph over Genclerbirligi on Monday marked their third straight competitive victory, extending their unbeaten streak in all competitions to five matches, consisting of three wins and two draws, four of those occurring in league matches.

Repeating this level of performance will present a significant challenge against a team in good form, but their recent history at Papara Park, where they have won their last two games by a margin of 3-2, provides a boost ahead of what promises to be a challenging atmosphere.

Team News

Trabzonspor is expected to miss several players due to injuries, including Rayyan Baniya (shin), Edin Visca (foot), Stefan Savic (unspecified issue), and Oleksandr Zubkov (muscle problem).

Much of the attacking responsibility will rest on the capable trio of Paul Onuachu, who has found the net 15 times in the league, along with Ernest Muci and Felipe Augusto, each contributing nine goals, bringing their combined total to 33—more goals than 12 Super Lig clubs have achieved this season.

Head coach Tekke is likely to retain the midfield pairing of Tim Jabol-Folcarelli and Christ Inao Oulai as they aim to match Fenerbahce’s formidable midfield.

Fenerbahce, in contrast, will continue to be without defenders Levent Mercan and Archie Brown due to injuries.

Former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante made his debut in their last match and is anticipated to pair up with ex-Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi in midfield.

Trabzonspor probable starting XI:

Onana; Pina, Nwaiwu, Batagov, Lovik; Oulai; Jabol-Forcarelli; Augusto, Muci, Eskihellac; Onuachu

Fenerbahce probable starting XI:

Ederson; Muldur, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Semedo; Guendouzi, Kante; Musaba, Asensio, Nene; Talisca

This matchup is set to be a high-stakes title showdown, with both teams entering in strong form.

Trabzonspor’s resilience at home and recent upward momentum pose a serious threat, but the impressive away record and attacking prowess of Fenerbahce should not be overlooked; as neither side is used to setbacks and with their recent encounters typically yielding goals, an intensely contested match is anticipated.