Round 19 of the Turkish Super Lig sees Fenerbahce hosting Konyaspor at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Wednesday, both coming off contrasting New Year openers.
Fenerbahce v Konyaspor Form
Fenerbahce, firing on all cylinders, head into the clash with Konyaspor boasting a league-leading 49 goals scored. However, they’ve also been leaky in defense, conceding six more than arch-rivals Galatasaray. At home, Fener are a different beast, having conquered 22 of 29 possible points and remaining unbeaten in their last three. Last season’s 4-0 drubbing of Konyaspor at this very stadium serves as a potent reminder of their dominance.
Konyaspor, on the other hand, enter the match with scars still fresh. Their early-season momentum evaporated in a mid-season slump, with a winless eight-game streak dragging them into the relegation mire. Coach Stanojevic’s fate was sealed, and Keles took the helm. After a rocky start, he finally secured wins against Kasimpasa and Kayserispor, lifting Konyaspor out of the immediate danger zone.
But a midweek 3-0 defeat to Galatasaray leaves them teetering on the brink, level on points with Samsunspor in the relegation zone. Their dismal away form – seven winless matches on the road – doesn’t bode well for an upset. Can Konyaspor rise to the occasion against their formidable hosts, or will they be dragged back into the relegation battle?
Fenerbahce v Konyaspor Team News
Fenerbahce have a boosted squad for this clash, with Mert Hakan Yandas back after suspension. However, they miss Fred (red card), Zajc and Peres (injured), Lincoln (doubtful), Djiku and Osayi-Samuel (AFCON). Konyaspor’s woes continue, with Bernardoni (contract dispute), Cikalleshi (dropped), Tore and Demir (injured), Calvo (suspended), and Paz (international duty) all unavailable.
Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1):
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Livakovic
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Muldur, Aziz, Oosterwolde, Kadioglu
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Crespo, Yandas
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Tadic, Szymanski, Under
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Dzeko
Konyaspor (4-3-3):
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Ertas
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Ulgun, Demirbag, Calvo, Haubert
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Dikmen, Yazgili, Cicaldau
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Prip, Oliveira, Moreno
Fenerbahce v Konyaspor H2H
Fenerbahce hold a commanding advantage in this fixture, having crushed Konyaspor in 24 of their last 34 meetings. Konyaspor’s meager seven wins tell the story, and even on the road, Fenerbahce remain a fortress, unbeaten in their last four home games. Konyaspor, meanwhile, haven’t tasted victory in their last seven away trips, facing another uphill battle at Sukru Saracoglu.
Prediction
Fenerbahce were on fire at home before Christmas, averaging 3 goals per game. Konyaspor’s leaky defense (3 goals against Gala) could be in for another thrashing.
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