The Turkish Super Lig title race could take a dramatic turn when Galatasaray host arch-rivals and closest challengers Fenerbahce at Rams Park on Monday night to conclude round 25.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has been appointed to oversee the Intercontinental Derby, as the league leaders aim to extend their six-point advantage over their second-placed visitors, who are determined to close the gap to just three points.
Match preview
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Galatasaray sit six points clear at the top of the Super Lig, meaning they can afford to approach this fixture with the primary objective of avoiding defeat to maintain their lead.
However, given the already strained relationship between these fierce rivals, tensions are expected to run high, and the home supporters will demand Okan Buruk's side take the game to their bitter adversaries.
Monday's clash carries even greater significance for Cimbom as they look to restore faith among their fanbase, who are still reeling from their Europa League exit after a disappointing 6-3 aggregate defeat to AZ Alkmaar, following the 2-2 draw in the second leg at Rams Park on Thursday.
Despite remaining unbeaten in 23 Super Lig matches, Galatasaray have struggled for fluency in recent weeks, as seen in their laboured 2-1 win over Caykur Rizespor last time out.
Buruk's standing among the club's supporters has taken a hit, but a performance akin to their impressive 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the reverse fixture could restore some faith.
However, Cimbom will also be wary of history repeating itself, as their last meeting with Fenerbahce at Rams Park ended in a 1-0 defeat last May—denying them the chance to seal the title against their biggest rivals.
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Meanwhile, Fenerbahce secured their place in the Europa League round of 16 with a 5-2 aggregate win over Belgian side Anderlecht, following a 2-2 draw on Thursday.
However, the match was overshadowed by chaos in the stands, forcing Jose Mourinho's side to briefly leave the pitch, and disturbing images later emerged showing some fans carrying weapons.
The Yellow Canaries can expect a similarly hostile atmosphere at Rams Park on Monday, with tensions between the two clubs heightened amid ongoing refereeing controversies this season.
On the pitch, Fenerbahce have kept the pressure on in the title race, securing a 3-1 home win over Kasimpasa last Sunday to extend their league-winning streak to seven matches.
Mourinho's men have shown slightly better form than Galatasaray in recent weeks, and despite winning just one of their last six meetings against their rivals—losing four—they will arrive in Istanbul with confidence.
Team News
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Galatasaray will be without Alvaro Morata, who has suffered a hamstring injury, meaning Buruk may opt for a front two of Ahmed Kutucu and Victor Osimhen.
Mauro Icardi remains sidelined for the season with a serious knee injury, while Ismail Jakobs continues to struggle with an Achilles issue.
Fenerbahce are missing Caglar Soyuncu and Diego Carlos, though Alexander Djiku is expected to return to the defence after recovering from injury.
Jayden Oosterwolde and Rodrigo Becao have both suffered season-ending knee injuries, while Ismail Yuksek is also unavailable.
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Sanchez, Bardakci, Cuesta; Frankowski, Torreira, Sara, Yilmaz; Mertens; Osimhen, Kutucu
Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Djiku, Skriniar, Mercan; Aydin, Fred, Amrabat, Szymanski, Kostic; Talisca, En-Neysri
We say: Galatasaray 2-2 Fenerbahce
Despite both teams currently on good streaks, Fenerbahce have looked the sharper side in recent weeks, and with momentum on their side, Mourinho's men look more likely to earn a result here against a Galatasaray side that have been suspect defensively.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
