The stage is set for a pivotal encounter in the Süper Lig as arch-rivals and top title contenders, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, prepare to face off tonight in Kadıköy. The highly anticipated derby, which kicks off at 20:00 at Chobani Stadium, will be officiated by referee Yasin Kol, assisted by Abdullah Bora Özkara and Bahtiyar Birinci.
Fenerbahçe faces uncertainty over the availability of Çağlar Söyüncü and Sebastian Szymanski, who have recovered from injuries but may lack match fitness. A final decision on their participation will be made today. The home side will definitively be without İrfan Can Kahveci and Cenk Tosun, who are not part of the matchday squad.
Galatasaray arrives with significant personnel challenges, as seven players are unavailable. Wilfried Singo, Ismail Jakobs, Kaan Ayhan, and Berkan Kutlu are sidelined with injuries, while Roland Sallai is suspended. Additionally, Eren Elmalı and Metehan Baltacı are unavailable due to an ongoing betting investigation. This has created a selection crisis for the visitors, particularly in the full-back positions, with Barış Alper Yılmaz expected to fill in at right-back.
The match carries immense weight in the title race. A victory for Fenerbahçe, the league’s only undefeated team with 31 points, would see them overtake current leaders Galatasaray, who sit on 32 points. A win for the visitors would extend their lead to four points, a result that would also be closely watched by third-placed Trabzonspor.
This derby is also set to make history as the most valuable match in Turkish football. The combined market value of the two squads reaches a staggering €597 million, with Galatasaray’s roster valued at €305.2 million and Fenerbahçe’s at €291.8 million.
All eyes will be on Fenerbahçe’s Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who will face his former club Galatasaray for the first time since his transfer. The Turkish international has been in fine form, contributing four goals and three assists in 13 appearances this season.
The derby could also mark a first for 14 players. For Fenerbahçe, Ederson, Tarık Çetin, Archie Brown, Nelson Semedo, Edson Alvarez, Marco Asensio, Dorgeles Nene, Jhon Duran, and Levent Mercan are all in line for their potential debuts. Similarly, Galatasaray’s Uğurcan Çakır, Leroy Sané, İlkay Gündoğan, Arda Ünyay, and Batuhan Şen could experience the fierce rivalry for the first time.
In terms of experience, Mert Hakan Yandaş is Fenerbahçe’s most seasoned player against Galatasaray, having featured in six derbies. For Galatasaray, Lucas Torreira and Barış Alper Yılmaz lead with eight appearances each against their Istanbul rivals.
Goalkeepers will play a crucial role. Fenerbahçe’s Ederson has kept five clean sheets in 12 matches this season and is renowned for his ball distribution skills. Galatasaray’s Uğurcan Çakır has secured eight clean sheets in 17 appearances across all competitions and holds the record as the most expensive goalkeeper in Turkish football history.
Projected Lineups:
Fenerbahçe: Ederson; Semedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Levent; Alvarez, İsmail; Asensio, Nene, Kerem; Duran (Talisca).
Galatasaray: Uğurcan Çakır; Barış Alper, Sanchez, Abdülkerim, Kazımcan; Lemina, Torreira; Sané, Sara, Yunus (Ahmed); Osimhen (Icardi).
