Galatasaray take on Fenerbahce at the Turk Telekom Arena knowing a victory over their bitter-rivals could send them into the relegation zone.
The Yellow Canaries have got off to their worst start in 50 years and currently find themselves in 15th place 10 games into the season.
To make matters worse – or better – Phillip Cocu was sacked last week.
Erwin Koeman will take charge of Fenerbahce but faces an uphill task away to Galatasaray.
The Lions have the best home record in the league winning four and drawing one.
Team News
Head coach Fatih Terim is facing an injury crisis with Fernando Reges, Emre Akbaba, Yuto Nagatomo definitely out.
Meanwhile, Everton loanee Henry Onyekuru, Sofiane Feghouli, Serdar Aziz and Eren Derdiyok have recovered from injury but face a race against time to regain full match fitness.
And to make matters worse Mariano is suspended.
Stoke City loanee Badou Ndiaye is almost certain to start in midfield with Ryan Donk.
Terim will be hoping Derdiyok is fit as he does not have another outright striker. In his absence, Sinan Gumus would be likely to get the nod up front.
Garry Rodrigues is likey to start with Younes Belhanda in a central attacking midfield role and Onyekuru on the other flank if match fit.
Eighteen-year-old defensive sensation Ozan Kabak is almost certain to start alongside Aziz or Maicon with Linnes and Omer Bayram as full-backs.
Fenerbahce meanwhile are without Leicester City striker Islam Slimani who is suspended.
Additionally, Mehmet Topal, Mehmet Ekici, Tolga Ciğerci and Oğuz Kağan Güçtekin are all sidelined.
Swansea City loanee Andre Ayew could start with Benzia and Soldado as part of a three-man attack.
Teenage sensation Eljif Elmas is hoping to get the nod in midfield alongside Jailson.
Isla, Skrtel, Neustader and Hasan Ali would usually comprise the back-four.
It must be said however, that Koeman may decide to shake things up considering the poor form they have been in.
Prediction
The saying goes… the form book goes out the window when it comes to big derby games but it is impossible to ignore just how poor Fenerbahce have been this season. Galatasaray have not been breathtaking either but they have been strong at home and will enjoy raucous support at home. I do expect Fenerbahce to raise their game considering the importance of the game and an away victory could be a pivotal point in the season if they hope to get anywhere near the top four.
The reigning champions are undefeated in their last 24 home games. It is difficult seeing the Yellow-Reds lose at home against the worst performing Fenerbahce side we have seen in years. But then again this is a derby!
Prediction: Galatasaray Draw No Bet
Galatasaray – Fenerbahce – Predicted Lineups
Stadium: Türk Telekom
Referee: Fırat Aydunus
Kick-Off: 21:00 Local Time
Galatasaray: Muslera, Linnes, Serdar (Maicon), Ozan, Ömer,Ndaiye, Donk, Sinan (Onyekuru), Belhanda, Garry Rodrigues, Eren.
Manager: Fatih Terim
Fenerbahce: Harun, Isla, Skrtel, Neustader, Hasan Ali, Reyes, Jailson, Ayew, Benzia, Eljif, Soldado
Manager: Erwin Koeman
