Fenerbahce return to action against Eyupspor on Sunday, knowing that their Turkish Super Lig title hopes hang by the thinnest of threads.
The Yellow Canaries’ 11-year wait for a league title is set to continue, as arch-rivals Galatasaray require just a single point this weekend to be crowned champions, regardless of their own result.
Match preview
© Imago
After thrashing Istanbul Basaksehir 4-1 last Friday to keep their fading dreams alive, Fenerbahce were made to wait, but Galatasaray’s 2-0 victory over Trabzonspor the following day ensured the gap stayed at eight points with just three matches remaining.
Regardless of the outcome here, if Galatasaray avoid defeat against Kayserispor, they will be crowned champions, meaning the Yellow Canaries are on course to finish runners-up for the fourth successive season.
The mission for Jose Mourinho, which was ending the club’s title drought that stretches back to 2013-14, looks to have fallen short, though reports suggest the Portuguese coach may stay for another year to complete the task.
For all that, Fenerbahce remain a dominant force at home, and with nothing more than pride left to play for, they could be a dangerous opponent for a struggling Eyupspor side.
© Imago
Meanwhile, Eyuspor are enduring a brutal run of form at the worst possible time with four defeats in a row, including a 3-0 loss to Kasimpasa in their last outing.
Arda Turan‘s side have slipped behind Istanbul Basaksehir in the race for the newly opened fifth-place European qualification spot, with the Turkish Cup won by Galatasaray last week, meaning the team finishing fifth will now enter the Europa Conference League qualifiers, raising the stakes considerably.
However, Eyupspor’s chances are fading, with a mix of injuries, suspensions, and end-of-season fatigue derailing what was once a promising debut campaign in the top flight.
The side that held Fenerbahce to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture earlier this season is almost unrecognisable, and this daunting trip to Kadikoy arrives at the worst possible moment.
Team News
© Imago
For Fenerbahce, Sebastian Szymanski and Irfan Can Kahveci are expected to start in midfield, with both Sofyan Amrabat and Ismail Yuksek serving suspensions.
Mert Hakan Yandas, Allan Saint-Maximin, Jayden Oosterwolde and Rodrigo Becao remain sidelined through injury.
Meanwhile, Caglar Soyuncu, having completed his suspension, is set to return to the starting line-up.
As for Eyupspor, Lucas Claro, who has also served his suspension, is expected to deputise for the injured Robin Yalcin, with Tayfur Bingol likely to continue at right-back.
Fredrik Midtsjo, Sinan Gumus, Taskin Ilter and Leo Dubois are unavailable due to injury, while Melih Kabasakal is suspended.
Hamza Akman is poised to come into the midfield in Kabasakal’s absence, while Yalcin Kayan and Mame Thiam return to the squad after serving suspensions.
Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Skriniar, Carlos, Soyuncu; Kostic, Fred, Kahveci, Szymanski, Aydin; Talisca, En-Nesyri
Eyupspor possible starting lineup:
Ozer; Bingol, Claro, Vezo, Meras, Erkin; Akbaba, Kayan, Akman; Ampem, Thiam, Mor
We say: Fenerbahce 2-0 Eyupspor
Fenerbahce should prove too strong for an Eyupspor side ravaged by injuries and suspensions, as they also have home advantage against the visitors, who are struggling for confidence and inspiration at the moment.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
