Fresh from their European exit, Fenerbahce will look to stay in the Turkish Super Lig title race when they host high-flying Samsunspor at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Sunday.
The Yellow Canaries trail league leaders Galatasaray by seven points, though they have played one game fewer than their fierce rivals.
Match preview
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Fenerbahce bowed out of the Europa League despite a valiant effort against Rangers, winning 2-0 at a tense Ibrox Stadium, but Jose Mourinho was left frustrated, insisting his side should have progressed while accusing the officials of denying them three penalties.
Having lost the first leg 3-1 at home, a Sebastian Szymanski brace pulled Fenerbahce level on aggregate, but they ultimately fell short in a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat.
Their frustrations with referees is even more profound on the domestic stage, but that has not derailed Fenerbahce’s pursuit of dethroning Galatasaray, as they extended their unbeaten Super Lig run to 11 matches with a commanding 3-0 win over Antalyaspor last time out.
However, they now face a tricky test against an impressive Samsunspor side, who have held them to draws in their last two meetings, and with the title race leaving little room for error, another draw in this fixture could prove costly.
The Yellow Canaries boast the best home record in the league, winning 11 of their 12 matches at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, with their only defeat coming against Galatasaray, while history is also on their side, having won 24 of 36 home meetings against Samsunspor, losing just twice.
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Samsunspor have been one of the season’s biggest surprises and remain in the hunt for European qualification thanks to their consistency which has left them in third place with 50 points, six more than fourth-placed Besiktas.
However, they are yet to claim a major away scalp, having lost at Galatasaray and only managing a goalless draw at Besiktas, with visits to Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor still to come.
Their hopes of causing an upset on Sunday could be hindered by a lack of squad depth to maintain their current level, as signs of fatigue have crept into recent performances.
While they edged Adana Demirspor 3-2 last time out, ending a two-game winless run, manager Thomas Reis was frustrated with his side’s defensive lapses, having now conceded at least twice in three consecutive matches.
Team News
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Fenerbahce continue to struggle with defensive injuries, with Diego Carlos and Caglar Soyuncu sidelined, likely paving the way for Alexander Djiku and Yusuf Akcicek to start.
Jayden Oosterwolde and Rodrigo Becao are both ruled out for the season with cruciate ligament injuries, while Levent Mercan and Ismail Yuksek also remain unavailable.
Youssef En-Nesyri has been in excellent form during the title run-in, netting 16 goals so far, just two behind the league’s top scorer, and he is expected to partner Edin Dzeko up front as he looks to close the gap.
Samsunspor have just one injury concern heading into Sunday’s clash, with Lubomir Satka ruled out.
Alper Pazar is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards, but Carlo Holse returns after serving his suspension and is set to reclaim his place in the starting XI.
Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:
Egribayat; Akcicek, Skriniar, Djiku; Aydin, Fred, Talisca, Szymanski, Kostic; En-Neysri, Dzeko
Samsunspor possible starting lineup:
Kocuk; Yavru, Cift, Van Drongelen, Bola; Ait Bennasser, Aydogdu; Kilinc, Ntcham, Schindler; Mouandilmadji
We say: Fenerbahce 3-1 Samsunspor
Samsunspor’s lack of squad depth is starting to take its toll, though the strong foundations they built earlier in the season should be enough to secure European qualification.
However, an away trip to Fenerbahce demands high energy and defensive resilience—qualities the visitors seem to be lacking at the moment, and with that in mind, we expect the hosts to come out on top.
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