Fenerbahçe vs Rizespor: A Clash of Ambitions in the Turkish Super Lig
Fenerbahçe will be aiming to climb into top spot in the Turkish Super Lig standings for the first time this season when they play host to Çaykur Rizespor on Friday evening. Rizespor, in pursuit of a top-half finish, will journey to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium looking to end an eight-year hoodoo against the hosts, having lost each of the last 13 meetings between the two sides since September 2018. This match promises to be a captivating encounter with significant implications for both teams’ season goals.
Fenerbahçe’s Title Charge
While Fenerbahçe are yet to touch the top of the Super Lig table this season, they have remained within striking distance. Galatasaray’s recent slump in form could open up the door for a late charge for their first league crown since 2014. Domenico Tedesco’s men made it three wins on the bounce with a dominant team display last Saturday, securing a 4-0 victory over Kayserispor. N’Golo Kante broke the deadlock, opening the floodgates for a comfortable victory with goals from Talisca (2) and Dorgeles Nene.
The Yellow Canaries have won 19 of their 29 Super Lig games this season, losing just once and claiming nine draws to collect 66 points and sit second in the league standings, two points behind league leaders Galatasaray. Fenerbahçe will be backing themselves to come away with the desired result and leapfrog Galatasaray this weekend.
Rizespor’s Pursuit of a Top-Half Finish
Caykur Rizespor are a side on the up, winning each of their most recent two matches, including a 2-1 comeback victory over Gaziantep. Guinean striker Mohamed Bayo opened the scoring, but Qazim Laci and Ali Sowe netted in a two-minute spell late in the second half to turn the game on its head.
Having struggled for consistency earlier in the season, Rizespor have now won five of their subsequent seven games, with two losses coming away from home against Trabzonspor and Fatih Karagümrük. However, results on the road have been a concern, with Recep Ucar’s men on a run of three consecutive away defeats and failing to win 10 of their most recent 11 outings since the start of November. Despite this, Rizespor are still on course for a second successive top-half finish, sitting eighth in the Super Lig standings with 36 points from 29 games.
Recent Form
- Fenerbahçe Turkish Super Lig form: WWWWL
- Fenerbahçe form (all competitions): WWWWL
- Çaykur Rizespor Turkish Super Lig form: WWLLW
- Çaykur Rizespor form (all competitions): WWLLW
Team News
Fenerbahçe will take to the pitch without Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde, who is set to serve a one-game suspension. On the injury front, Spanish forward Marco Asensio missed the aforementioned game through a muscle problem, while experienced defender Milan Skriniar recently sustained a groin issue. Turkish midfielder Ismail Yüksek is also set to sit out his third consecutive game, while 28-year-old midfielder Edson Alvarez continues his spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury in February.
As for Rizespor, they remain without the services of Uzbekistan defender Khuskiddin Alikulov. Barring any late fitness issues, Alikulov will be the only absentee for the visiting side, giving head coach Ucar a relatively full-strength squad to select from.
Possible Starting Lineups
Fenerbahçe: Ederson; Semedo, Demir, Soyuncu, Brown; Kante, Nene; Guendouzi, Akturkoglu, Talisca; Cherif
Çaykur Rizespor: Fofana; Hojer, Sagnan, Akaydin, Papa; Augusto, Antalyali; Mihaila, Laci, Olawoyin; Sowe
Prediction
Fenerbahçe are firing on all cylinders in crunch time as they look to make a late push for the league title, and they will be backing themselves against a Rizespor side who have managed just one away win since November. Tedesco’s men are on a run of 13 consecutive victories over the visitors, and given the gulf in quality and experience between the two teams, we are tipping them to come away with all three points. For more detailed analysis and betting options, check out WhoScored.com.
