Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce – The Intercontinental derby that could blow the title race wide open
The mother of all Turkish footballing derbies is back. The Intercontinental derby is always a big deal. Despite being just 10 games into the season this time around the Galatasaray Fenerbahce clash could prove a pivotal moment in the season.
The title race will be pretty much over for Fenerbahce if they lose the derby. That may sound a tad hyperbolic but it will open up an 11 point gap and could send the Yellow Canaries into a serious crisis.
Galatasaray have seen a transformation under Igor Tudor. The Lions boss has had the temperament of former Tudor monarch, King Henry. Rarely going a week without a bust-up or dropping a player. It seems he has finally laid down the law as the Istanbul giants have been brilliant.
After a busy summer basically changing the entire team for a more physical, harder working squad – as Tudor demanded – Galatasaray have gone from strength to strength. The Super Lig outfit are first in the league having won seven of their eight games – drawing the other.
Galatasaray have at times completely steam rolled opposition but it has not all been plain sailing. What Tudor’s boys have also done is shown resilience and a never say die attitude. The Lions came from behind away from home against Bursaspor to win and have relied on late winners in a few other games.
Tudor has had the good fortune – or management – of having his defence settle in remarkably fast. The back four have conceded just six times – the best record in the league. Maicon has been brilliant since joining from Sao Paulo and has established a partnership with fellow centre-back Serdar Aziz despite the two not being able to fully understand one another. Former Sevilla Full-back Mariano has been one of the signings of the season. Galatasaray do have a problem at left-back, Iasmin Latovlevici is likely to feature but it is an area of weakness.
See More: Turkish League Previews & Predictions 9: Record stands at 23 Wins 13 Losses heading into the Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce derby
Ex Manchester City midfielder Fernando partners N’Diaye in central midfield providing the muscle. Feghouli, Belhanda and Rodriguez are no pushovers either and Gomis has been causing defenders nightmares this season – netting nine times in eight games.
With no European football to concern themselves with this season Galatasaray are fully focused on the league. As are Fenerbahce. The only difference being their arch rivals have yet to gel.
Fenerbahce manager Aykut Kocaman has yet to get the best out of his side. They have shown glimpses but have been too inconsistent. Saying that, the Yellow Canaries did beat reigning champions Besiktas in a heated derby a few weeks back.
Kocaman has an impressive looking squad on paper but has yet to find the right formula. The former Fenerbahce forward will be missing Robin van Persie due to injury, Roberto Soldado is a doubt and Alper Potuk is suspended.
Galatasaray meanwhile could be without star midfielder Tolga Cigerci.
Tottenham loanee Vincent Janssen could get his first derby game. Dirar, Valbuena and Giuliano do pose a threat when they click but that is the main problem with Fenerbahce right now. The defence, midfield and attack lack cohesion.
The home side have been on fire winning 11 of their last 12 league games but the form book goes out the window when Fenerbahce comes to town. This is more a case of who can handle the pressure better. Who can win the emotional battle.
I give Galatasaray the edge on form but Fenerbahce have already demonstrated they know how to use the atmosphere of a big derby game to their advantage. If they get under the Lions skin like they did against Besiktas things could get ugly. It is worth pointing out that Galatasaray have lost just once in their last six derby games at home against Fener.
In four of the last six derby games between these two sides at the Turk Telekom Arena there have been red cards. Considering the physical style Galatasaray play it would not be a surprise for someone to see red on Sunday.
Fenerbahce have scored 17 times this season, only Galatasaray have netted more (20). Goals have been the feature for both sides but the last six derby games have gone Under 2.5 goals. The main reason behind this stat is both sides traditionally approach the game with caution before getting bogged down in 90 minutes of warfare.
This is more than a football game, it is a battle and the winner of this duel could go onto win the war.
Prediction: Galatasaray Draw No Bet
