Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig clash between Caykur Rizespor and Fenerbahce, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
The action continues in round 26 of the Turkish Super Lig as Fenerbahce travel to Caykur Didi Stadium to face Caykur Rizespor, after falling behind in the title race.
The hosts are looking to fuel their European aspirations while the visitors will hope to avoid losing more ground on bitter rivals Galatasaray after dropping valuable points last weekend.
Match preview
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Caykur Rizespor’s inconsistent form continued as they lost 1-0 to Sivasspor at the Yeni Sivas 4 Eylul Stadium in their last fixture.
Ilhan Palut‘s side now have only one win from their last five league matches (D1, L3), putting their European aspirations at risk.
This inconsistent run of results has seen Rizespor drop to sixth place, four points adrift of third-placed Trabzonspor and Besiktas respectively.
Next up is a tough test against an opponent they have not beaten since 2018, although their last victory in this fixture was on home soil.
If Palut’s side are to get anything from this fixture, they will have to sort out an attack that has scored just 27 goals in 25 matches this season.
Fenerbahce remain unbeaten in 15 matches across all competitions but their last result left them disappointed after falling behind in the title race.
The Yellow Canaries settled for a 2-2 draw against Alanyaspor at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, a result that saw them slip behind in the Turkish Super Lig title race, two points behind Galatasaray who picked up three points in their own fixture.
Ismail Kartal‘s side know that any further mistake could mean disaster as the season approaches its final 13 matches.
However, they will be confident heading into Saturday’s fixture against a side they have beaten in their last nine meetings.
Fenerbahce have also been the best away team in the league this season, unbeaten in 12 matches on the road, winning 11 along with a draw.
Caykur Rizespor Turkish Super Lig form:
Caykur Rizespor form (all competitions):
Fenerbahce Turkish Super Lig form:
Fenerbahce form (all competitions):
Team News
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The hosts are expected to remain without midfielder Okechukwu Azubuike, who is continuing his recovery from a long-term injury.
Muammer Sarikaya is also set to feature among the substitutes following his recent arrival from fellow Turkish side Istanbulspor.
Adolfo Gaich will line up in attack, while leading scorer Dal Varesanovic plays in the supporting role.
Luan Peres (knee) and Fred (hamstring), who have missed the past couple of matches, remain sidelined for Fenerbahce.
Edin Dzeko will look to add to his league-leading 17 goals when he starts up front this weekend.
Caykur Rizespor possible starting lineup:
Akkan; Sahin, Mocsi, Topcu, Hojer; Shelvey, Olawoyin; Keser, Varesanovic, Zeqiri; Gaich
Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Muldur, Bonucci, Oosterwolde, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Krunic; Kahveci, Szymanski, Tadic; Dzeko
We say: Caykur Rizespor 1-2 Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce might have faltered last time out but they are better on the road and should bounce back this weekend. They have also dominated this fixture, scoring 17 times in their last four meetings while conceding just once.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
