Fenerbahce will look to keep their Turkish Super Lig title hopes alive when they face high-flying Samsunspor at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Sunday. Currently seven points behind leaders Galatasaray with a game in hand, Jose Mourinho’s side cannot afford any slip-ups.
The Yellow Canaries enter this clash after a heartbreaking Europa League exit against Rangers. Despite a 2-0 win at Ibrox, a 3-2 defeat in the penalty shootout ended their European campaign. However, Fenerbahce responded strongly in the league with a commanding 3-0 win over Antalyaspor, thanks to goals from Edin Dzeko, Sebastian Szymanski, and Dusan Tadic.
Fenerbahce boast the best home record in the league, winning 11 of their 12 matches at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, with their only defeat coming against Galatasaray. With Youssef En-Nesyri leading the attack and playmaker Fred controlling the midfield, they will be confident of overcoming a resilient Samsunspor side.
Samsunspor have been the surprise package this season, currently sitting third with 50 points. Led by top scorer Mouandilmadji, and supported by influential midfielder Olivier Ntcham and winger Carlo Holse, they aim to secure European football. However, their struggles against top teams, including a loss at Galatasaray and a draw at Besiktas, raise doubts about their ability to handle Fenerbahce’s firepower.
Fenerbahce face defensive challenges with key players like Diego Carlos and Caglar Soyuncu sidelined through injury. Jayden Oosterwolde and Rodrigo Becao are also out for the season, leaving Alexander Djiku and Yusuf Akcicek to anchor the backline. Meanwhile, Szymanski and Anderson Talisca will provide creativity in midfield, while En-Nesyri and Dzeko lead the attack.
Samsunspor will miss defender Lubomir Satka due to injury and Alper Pazar through suspension. However, Holse returns from suspension and is expected to provide an attacking boost alongside Ntcham and forward Mouandilmadji.
With Fenerbahce’s attacking trio of En-Nesyri, Dzeko, and Szymanski in top form and Samsunspor’s recent defensive struggles, the hosts are favorites to claim victory. A win would keep their title hopes alive, while Samsunspor aim to stay in the race for European qualification.
Predicted Score:
Fenerbahce 3-1 Samsunspor