Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray is a match valid for the 18th day of Super Lig and is played Sunday at 5 p.m.: lineups, predictions, TV and streaming.
First the league, then the Super Cup. Turkish soccer closes with a bang this 2023 and within a few days we will witness two crackling Kıtalararası Derbi in a row between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, Turkey’s two biggies. It starts on Christmas Eve with the Super Lig Intercontinental Derby, scheduled at the “Sukru Saracoglu” Stadium, the home of the “Fene.” It is also a summit clash, as both Ismail Kartal’s and Okan Buruk’s teams are paired in the standings on 43 points.
Between them and the others there is a real gulf: Kayserispor, third, has as many as 14 points less. It is a foregone conclusion at this point that it will again be a two-way race for the title. Fenerbahçe last Wednesday recorded its fourth consecutive success between Super Lig and Conference League, winning the direct clash with surprising Kayserispor at the end of a pyrotechnic match that ended 4-3. Former Chelsea man Batshuayi’s (author of a hat-trick) penalty ten minutes from the end was decisive, with the Yellowoblù finishing with nine men due to the expulsions of Fred and Yandas in mid-recovery.
A crucial junction in the title race
Remind that Kartal’s men, as well as other clubs in Turkey’s top league, must make up the day postponed last Dec. 17 following the assault of referee Umut Meler by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca.
(Icardi IlVeggente.it (Ansa)
In the week Galatasaray also won, narrowly over Karagumruk, a challenge decided by a goal from Akturkoglu (1-0) in the first half. Icardi and his teammates thus reacted immediately after the great disappointment of being eliminated from the Champions League by Copenhagen. In the league, only victories have come since the beginning of November, and the only defeat came a month and a half ago at home to Hatayspor. Buruk will definitely have to do without Sanchez and Oliveira, while Zaha’s presence is in doubt. Heavy, on the other hand, is the absence of former Inter player Dzeko in Fenerbahçe’s attack.
The prediction
Best offense (Fenerbahçe) vs. best defense (Galatasaray). Balance is expected in this Istanbul derby that could become a crucial junction in the title race. The hosts have slumped a bit after a cracking start but in the last period they seem to be getting back on track: in front of their home crowd their record stands at 7 wins and 1 loss. There is a good chance, however, that Galatasaray will at least manage to avoid defeat in a match where both will score.
Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray
likely lineups.
FENERBAHCE (4-3-3): Livakovic; Osayi-Samuel, Akaydin, Djiku, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Miguel Crespo, Szymanski; Kahveci, Batshuayi, Tadic.
GALATASARAY (4-2-3-1): Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Bardakci, Yilmaz; Ndombele, Torreira; Ziyech, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
