Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray
, KO: 17:00 , Chobani Stadium
Fenerbahce host Galatasaray on Monday for this season’s first edition of the Intercontinental Derby, which also happens to be a direct clash for the top of the Super Lig table.
In just a little over two months, Domenico Tedesco turned Fenerbahce into a team that feels impossible to beat both domestically and on the international stage.
Other than that one defeat away at Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League in his fourth match with the team, the Yellow Canaries have been undefeated in their last 11 competitive matches.
This impressive streak helped them revive their season and climb just a point behind Galatasaray before the Intercontinental Derby this week. And their streak involves five Super Lig wins in a row, in which they scored 18 goals. Fenerbahce are the only unbeaten team in the elite after 13 rounds.
On the other end, Galatasaray have also had a near-flawless campaign to date, but they suffered their first defeat right before the latest international break. The Lions have led the standings throughout the entire campaign and their success can be credited to their exceptional defence.
Galatasaray have conceded just eight goals in 13 rounds, as opposed to the 28 they scored in the process.
How the bookies view it: Fenerbahce to clutch a minimal win
While Fenerbahce have struggled against their eternal rivals in recent years, bookmakers believe they have a better chance of claiming the three points on Monday.
You can currently back the Yellow Canaries at 11/10, while Galatasaray are available at 11/5. Draws have been quite common between these sides, so you can also pick this option at 5/2.
Recent head-to-head: The Yellow Canaries have had few reasons to celebrate
As previously mentioned, the Lions have had the edge in recent years, claiming the points five times next to Fenerbahce’s three. In the last five H2Hs, in particular, Fenerbahce have only won once.
However, when it comes to all-time stats, the Yellow Canaries have a significant lead with 149 wins to 130, while 124 matches ended level.
Players to watch: From Madrid to Istanbul, Asensio has found his place
If you don't follow the Turkish Super League regularly, you probably won’t know that giants such as Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray have squads worthy of the elite Western leagues. Both teams have incredible players, and right now we can highlight former Real Madrid and PSG player Marco Asensio.
The 29-year-old has found his place in Istanbul and has contributed greatly to the team's success in recent months. He has six goals in nine Super Lig appearances this season, and scored five across the team’s recent five-match winning streak.
Probable line-ups
Fenerbahce: Ederson, Semedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Brown, Fred, Asensio, Nene, Talisca, Akturkoglu, En-Nesyri
Galatasaray: Cakir, Unyay, Bardakci, Sanchez, Karatas, Torreira, Gundogan, Sane, Sara, Yilmaz, Icardi
Anything else catch the eye?
In truth, Galatasaray have turned the Chobani Stadium into their playground in recent years, claiming the points more times than Fenerbahce fans care to admit. In fact, the Yellow Canaries managed to beat the Lions at home only two times in the last 10 years or the last 11 home games.
We don’t imagine them succeeding this time either, although they have been the better team lately. But we also do not believe Galatasaray can defeat them on the road right now, and everything points to a draw.
However, we don’t imagine this clash going without goals from both teams. We expect this to end in either a 1-1 or a 2-2 draw, and BTTS feels like the best option for betting.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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