Diego expected to start for Fenerbahçe [divider]

Fenerbahçe manager İsmail Kartal is expected to start summer signing Diego against Rizespor.

The former Brazil international has failed to establish himself as a regular first-team player and has faced criticism from sections of the press and Fenerbahçe fans for recent performances.

Fenerbahçe signed Diego as a free agent on a three-year deal worth €3.5 million per-season.

“We are pleased with beating a big club like Beşiktaş in the derby,” Kartal said.

“But we still have a long way to go and cannot afford to underestimate Rizespor on the weekend, this is a must win game.”

Kartal will be without the injured Emre Belözoğlu and suspended Caner Erkin. Hasan Ali Kaldırım is expected to replace Erkin.

Fenerbahçe host Rizespor at the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium on Saturday 8 November.

Fenerbahçe expected starting XI:

Volkan; Gökhan Gönül, Bekir İrtegün, Kadlec, Hasan Ali Kaldırım; Raul Meireles, Mehmet Topal, Diego; Kuyt, Alper Potuk, Emenike