Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce
, KO: 18:30 , Rams Park
The first Intercontinental Derby of the season will take place on Monday, with Galatasaray hosting Fenerbahce, as the two giants are separated by just three points before this match.
The unusual timing of this derby suits both teams, having played Champions League matches last week. The extra rest will certainly do them good.
So far, the two teams have had fairly similar seasons in the Super Lig, with just three points separating them. The differences lie in their goal-scoring records.
On their day, Fenerbahce are far more dominant in their performances; they are currently the highest-scoring side with 22 goals in 8 matches and have conceded just six – the second-best defensive record in the league.
The Cimbom will be relying on their strong home form and will be aiming for their 40th consecutive home match without defeat in the Super Lig.
Interestingly, it was Fenerbahce who were the last team to beat them away in the league, a feat achieved nearly two and a half years ago.
How the bookies view it: The Cimbom have the edge at Rams Park
The odds are usually close in both matches of the season, and this time is no exception. However, the Cimbom have a slight edge given their home form in recent years.
At the moment, you can back Galatasaray at 23/20, a draw at 14/5, or Fenerbahce at 7/4.
Recent head-to-head: A win each and a stalemate in the last three
This is one of those derbies in which there are no long periods of overwhelming dominance by either side. For example, over the last 12 months we have seen this fixture played three times, with each team winning once (D1).
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Galatasaray have had the upper hand in recent years, with five wins to Fenerbahce’s two in their last 10 head-to-head matches (D3).
Players to watch: Osimhen’s form is all Galatasaray need to win
Both teams may be led by former Napoli strikers, with Galatasaray benefiting from Osimhen’s form and Fenerbahce from Lukaku’s experience.
If I had to choose between the two, however, I would definitely go for Victor Osimhen, who has already scored six goals in the league in six appearances.
He is gradually finding his form again after missing a month through injury, having scored in this week’s 4-2 win over Lille.
Probable line-ups
Galatasaray: Cakir, Elmali, Bardakci, Sanchez, Sallai, Lemina, Torreira, Yilmaz, Sara, Sane, Osimhen
Fenerbahce: Ederson, Mercan, Oppong, Skriniar, Semedo, Kante, Guendouzi, Kahveci, Aydin, Greenwood, Lukaku
Anything else catch the eye?
This match is always difficult to predict, especially when both teams are in such strong form, as is the case here.
On paper, one could say that Fenerbahce are the more dominant side, given that they have scored 14 goals and conceded none in their last three Super Lig matches.
But Galatasaray at Rams Park are a completely different challenge, as evidenced by their run of 39 matches without defeat at home. I expect the hosts to take all three points and take a big step towards defending their title.
Last but not least, cards are the other market to look at, as the three H2Hs from last season produced 10, 8 and 7 cards.
GambleAware