One of the key matches of Turkish Super Lig’s Matchday 5 will occur this Sunday at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul, where Fenerbahçe will face Trabzonspor. Both teams are unbeaten this season, and the home team’s new manager adds extra excitement to this fierce rivalry. A bet on goals seems promising for this match.
Match preview
After a disappointing international start and some internal issues, the club decided to part ways with José Mourinho. Zeki Murat Göle took on the role temporarily, but now Domenico Tedesco, the former Belgium national coach, is set to make his debut in this important derby. Under his leadership, Fenerbahçe will aim to keep up the attacking momentum shown in their wins against Gençlerbirliği and Kocaelispor.
The new manager has strong players up front, including Talisca, Szalai, Szymański, and En-Nesyri, who are ready to confront any defense. However, the defense is a concern due to injuries to Semedo and Becão. Improving defensive organization will be Tedesco’s first challenge in this crucial match.
Trabzonspor, managed by Fatih Tekke, has shown solid defensive skills, conceding just one goal in four matches. They have accumulated 10 points from 12, including three 1-0 victories. Their recent 1-1 draw with Samsunspor was a minor setback in an otherwise stable performance.
The visitors rely heavily on Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana, on loan from Manchester United, and strong striker Paul Onuachu, who has already scored this season. Trabzonspor’s balanced approach and ability to seize opportunities make them a tough opponent, even for favorites at home.
Probable lineups
- Fenerbahçe: Livaković, Aydın, Škriniar, Söyüncü, Brown, Fred, Dorgeles, Talisca, Szymański, Kahveci, En-Nesyri
- Trabzonspor: Çakır, Eskiljač, Batagov, Savić, Pina, Yokuşlu, Jabol-Folcarelli, Olaigbe, Augusto, Zubkov, Onuachu
Match facts and head-to-head
- Trabzonspor has conceded only 1 goal in their first four league matches.
- Fenerbahçe has won their last 3 matches against Trabzonspor with an aggregate score of 8-4.
- Trabzonspor’s only win in the last 5 meetings was away in 2023.
Prediction
The coaching change could energize Fenerbahçe, but immediate stability may be difficult, especially in such a fierce rivalry. Trabzonspor looks more organized defensively and can capitalize on mistakes. With both teams starting strongly and high stakes, betting on “Both teams to score” at odds of 1.87 makes sense.