The Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce is set to take centre stage on Monday, promising yet another chapter in one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in world football. With Galatasaray leading the league table with 63 points, six ahead of Fenerbahce, this match could have significant implications in the title race. However, with Fenerbahce showing better form in recent weeks, a win here could reignite their championship hopes.
One of the key talking points ahead of the game is the battle between Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen and Fenerbahce defender Alexander Djiku. Former Turkish international Tümer Metin has suggested that Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho should deploy Djiku to man-mark Osimhen, neutralising the Nigerian’s attacking prowess. Since joining Galatasaray on loan, Osimhen has been in blistering form, scoring 14 goals in 18 league matches and 20 across all competitions. With four goals in his last five outings, he remains a serious threat to Fenerbahce’s backline.
“If we get Osimhen from Galatasaray, he won’t be able to go to the goal right now,” Metin was quoted as saying by habersarikirmizi.com. “I will give Djiku to Osimhen and say, ‘Wait on his back even when he goes to the edge of the pitch to drink water.’”
Injury concerns for both teams
Both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce will have to cope with significant injuries ahead of the derby. Galatasaray will be missing Alvaro Morata, who has suffered a hamstring injury, making way for Ahmed Kutucu to potentially partner Osimhen in attack. Additionally, Mauro Icardi is ruled out for the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury, while Ismail Jakobs remains sidelined with an Achilles issue.
Fenerbahce, meanwhile, will be without Caglar Soyuncu and Diego Carlos, but Djiku is expected to return from injury in time for the clash, which could prove crucial to Mourinho’s defensive plans. With these absences, both teams will need to make tactical adjustments in order to secure a vital result.
Vincic to officiate a tense encounter
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has been appointed by the Turkish Football Federation to officiate this high-stakes encounter. Known for his strict approach in high-profile European fixtures, Vincic will be tasked with maintaining control in a derby that is often fiery and contentious. Given the history of clashes between these two sides, every decision he makes will be under scrutiny, adding further intensity to an already charged atmosphere.
With Fenerbahce winning only one of their last six meetings against Galatasaray, they will need to put in a strong performance to turn their fortunes around. Despite their recent dominance, Galatasaray will not take this match lightly, knowing that a defeat could reignite Fenerbahce’s pursuit of the league title.
All eyes will be on Osimhen and Djiku’s duel, Mourinho’s tactical approach, and Vincic’s officiating, as this derby promises to be an electrifying clash that could shape the destiny of the Turkish Super Lig.
