Turkish Super Lig | Gameweek 25

Feb 24, 2025 at 5pm UK

Rams Global Stadium

Galatasarayvs.Fenerbahce

Match preview

Galatasaray sit six points clear at the top of the Super Lig, meaning they can afford to approach this game with the primary objective of avoiding defeat to maintain their lead.

However, given the already tense relationship between these bitter rivals, tensions are expected to run high and the home fans will be urging Okan Buruk's side to take the game to their bitter opponents.

Monday's game is even more important for Cimbom as they look to regain the confidence of their supporters, who are still reeling from a disappointing 6-3 aggregate defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League after Thursday's 2-2 second-leg draw at Rams Park.

Despite going 23 games unbeaten in the Super Lig, Galatasaray have struggled to find their stride in recent weeks, as evidenced by their struggling 2-1 win over Caykur Rizespor last time out.

Buruk's standing with the club's supporters has taken a hit, but a performance similar to the impressive 3-1 win over Fenerbahce in the reverse fixture could restore some confidence.

However, Cimbom will also be wary of history repeating itself, as their last meeting with Fenerbahce at Rams Park ended in a 1-0 defeat last May - denying them the chance to seal the title against their biggest rivals.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 5-2 aggregate win over Belgian side Anderlecht after a 2-2 draw on Thursday.

However, the match was marred by chaos in the stands, forcing Jose Mourinho's side to leave the pitch at one point, and disturbing images later emerged of some fans brandishing weapons.

The Yellow Canaries can expect a similarly hostile atmosphere at Rams Park on Monday, with tensions between the two clubs heightened by the ongoing refereeing controversies this season.

On the pitch, Fenerbahce have kept up the pressure in the title race and last Sunday extended their league winning streak to seven games with a 3-1 home win over Kasimpasa.

Mourinho's men have been in slightly better form than Galatasaray in recent weeks, and despite winning just one of their last six meetings with their rivals - losing four - they will travel to Istanbul full of confidence.

Recent Performance

Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig form:WWDWWW

Galatasaray form (all competitions):WLWLWD

Fenerbahce Turkish Super Lig form:WWWWWW

Fenerbahce form (all competitions):DWWWWD

Team News

Galatasaray will be without Alvaro Morata due to a hamstring injury, meaning Buruk could opt for a front two of Ahmed Kutucu and Victor Osimhen.

Mauro Icardi remains out for the season with a serious knee injury, while Ismail Jakobs continues to struggle with an Achilles problem.

Fenerbahce will be without Caglar Soyuncu and Diego Carlos, but Alexander Djiku is expected to return to the backline after recovering from injury.

Jayden Oosterwolde and Rodrigo Becao have both suffered season-ending knee injuries, while Ismail Yuksek is also out.

Possible starting lineup

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:

Muslera; Sanchez, Bardakci, Cuesta; Frankowski, Torreira, Sara, Yilmaz; Mertens; Osimhen, Kutucu

Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:

Livakovic; Djiku, Skriniar, Mercan; Aydin, Fred, Amrabat, Szymanski, Kostic; Talisca, En-Neysri