Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig clash between Fatih Karagumruk and Fenerbahce, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Two sides with varying ambitions will clash on Sunday when Fatih Karagumruk host Fenerbahce at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
The hosts are looking to end a five-match winless run across all competitions to increase their chances of survival, while the visitors are on a six-match winning streak in the league and in the race for the title.
Match preview
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Fatih Karagumruk’s winless run extended to five matches after a narrow 1-0 defeat against Sivasspor at the Yeni 4 Eylul Stadyumu on April 3. Tolunay Kafkas‘s side almost snatched a point but were undone by an 89th-minute goal from Rey Manaj.
With only 30 points from 31 games this season, the Kara Kirmizi languish in 18th place, just three points from the relegation zone.
They face an uphill battle when they host Fenerbahce at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on Sunday. The Black Reds have enjoyed a good run at home recently, last losing there in December across all competitions, winning five and drawing three of eight home games within that period.
However, the historical record against Fenerbahce at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium is bleak. In nine meetings, they have lost four and drawn five, with their only victory in 23 meetings against the Yellow Canaries coming all the way back in 1959.
Fenerbahce head into this clash on the back of a 3-2 defeat against Olympiacos in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie on Thursday. Ismail Kartal‘s side were three goals down before the hour mark but fought back through Dusan Tadic and Irfan Kahveci. However, it was not enough as they will now need to overturn the one-goal deficit in the return leg next Thursday.
Domestically, the Yellow Canaries were involved in a controversial Turkish Super Cup final where they walked off the pitch after a minute in protest against the Turkish Football Federation, effectively forfeiting the trophy to Galatasaray.
However, they remain two points behind Gala in the Super Lig after a 4-2 victory over Adana Demirspor on April 3. With seven games remaining in the season, they will be hoping to capitalise on any slip-ups from the league leaders.
Fener boast an impressive unbeaten record in 15 away matches so far, winning 14 and drawing just once, making them the best team on the road.
They also possess the league’s most potent attack, having scored 83 goals so far – a significant 14 more than their closest rivals Galatasaray. Kartal will be relying on their firepower to help dethrone their city rivals by the end of the season.
Fatih Karagumruk Turkish Super Lig form:
Fatih Karagumruk form (all competitions):
Fenerbahce Turkish Super Lig form:
Fenerbahce form (all competitions):
Team News
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Karagumruk have a full squad ahead of Sunday’s clash, leaving Kafkas with several options.
Kevin Lasagna is expected to lead the attack once again, while Valentin Eysseric provides support behind him.
Guven Yalcin is Karagumruk’s top scorer with six goals, and should start on either flank while Emre Mor takes up the other.
Fenerbace will be without Irfan Can Egribayat and Jayden Oosterwolde who were banned for one match by the Turkish Football Federation as punishment for their involvement in the altercation with fans against Trabzonspor.
Mert Hakan Yandas is sidelined with a groin injury, while Joshua King is doubtful with a muscle injury.
Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:
Sirigu; Sangare, Biraschi, Dursun, Mercan; Rohden, Bertolacci; Mor, Eysseric, Yalcin; Lasagna
Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Oosterwolde, Aziz, Soyuncu, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Yandas; Kahveci, Szymanski, Tadic; Dzeko
We say: Fatih Karagumruk 0-2 Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce are heavy favourites to extend their unbeaten away run against a struggling Karagumruk. Fener’s superior attacking firepower should see them through to another win against a side they have historically dominated. We expect a comfortable away win for Fenerbahce.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
