Preview: Besiktas vs. Fenerbahce - prediction, team news, lineups

The home side currently sit in fourth spot with 14 points to their name, while Fenerbahce are only one point worse off in sixth position.

Match preview

Besiktas struggled to offer much of a fight in their title defence last season, as they could only manage to secure a sixth-place finish.

Following a disappointing campaign, the Black Eagles will be targeting a title challenge after Trabzonspor claimed their crown last term

Valerien Ismael began his first full season as Besiktas boss with a five-game unbeaten start that included four victories, but they have been unable to clinch maximum points in their previous two outings.

A home defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir was followed by a 2-2 draw against Istanbulspor after an 86th-minute equaliser from Ali Yasar denied Besiktas all three points.

Despite losing their most recent home encounter, the Black Eagles will draw inspiration from winning three of their four home games ahead of Sunday's derby.

Fenerbahce finished in the runners-up spot last term, but after watching Trabzonspor lift the league title, Sunday's visitors will hope they can go one better this season.

After being appointed as head coach over the summer, Jorge Jesus has enjoyed a positive start to his tenure, losing just one of their opening six league matches.

While they were knocked out of Champions League qualifying, Fenerbahce have also performed in Europe with their six Europa League games resulting in four wins and two draws.

The Yellow Canaries will face AEK Larnaca in the Europa League on Thursday, but before they can focus on that contest, they will attempt to defeat their local rivals as they look to claim a third consecutive victory.

Fenerbahce will hope they can continue their fine form in the final third as the league's highest scorers attempt to add to the 20 league goals they have scored this season.

Besiktas Turkish Super Lig form:

D

W

W

W

L

D

Fenerbahce Turkish Super Lig form:

D

W

W

L

W

W

Fenerbahce form (all competitions):

W

L

W

W

D

W

Team News

Besiktas are expected to be without the services of Atiba Hutchinson with a muscle injury continuing to sideline the Canada international.

After missing the last two matches due to an injury issue, Dele Alli could return to the side for the derby, which could result in Josef Souza dropping to the bench.

Wout Weghorst will look to add to the three goals he has scored this season when he leads the line for Besiktas on Saturday.

As for the visitors, Nazim Sangare is ruled out with a knee injury, while Luan Peres is a doubt after missing Fenerbahce's most recent encounter.

Irfan Can Kahveci came off the bench to score in the 5-0 victory over Alanyaspor, and the winger could be rewarded with a starting place for the derby.

Meanwhile, Enner Valencia heads into Sunday's contest as the current Turkish Super Lig top scorer after scoring seven goals in five league appearances this season.

Besiktas possible starting lineup:

Destanoglu; Rosier, Sanuc, Saiss, Masuaku; Fernandes, Ucan; Muleka, Alli, N'Koudou; Weghorst

Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:

Bayindir; Kadioglu, Henrique, Szalai, Alioski; Kahveci, Crespo, Arao, Rossi; Pedro, Valencia

We say: Besiktas 1-1 Fenerbahce

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