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

It is still all to play for, with the first leg earlier this month finishing 0-0.

Match preview

Fenerbahce are still in the race for the Turkish Super Lig title, given that they are five points behind league-leaders Galatasaray, with a trip to the Nef Stadium pencilled in for the final day of the season.

However, Galatasaray would have to slip up against a struggling Ankaragucu side for that game to count for anything, so the Yellow Canaries' main aim this season will be to win the Turkish Cup for the first time since 2013.

Jorge Jesus' side head into the game in impressive form, having gone undefeated in their last nine matches, most recently defeating reigning-champions Trabzonspor 3-1, dominating the majority of the match.

That was also the case in the first leg of the Turkish Cup semi-final, with Fenerbahce recording 10 shots throughout the match, compared to a figure of just four from their opponents, however they were unable to make their superiority pay.

That said, the Yellow Canaries should still be full of confidence heading into Wednesday's game, as they emerged victorious in the previous two meetings between the two sides, winning 3-1 at the end of April.

Indeed, Sivasspor have often struggled against Fenerbahce as of late, and their Turkish Super Lig form has fallen off a cliff in recent weeks, losing their last four games on the bounce.

Most recently, the Braves lost 2-0 at Galatasaray, which is difficult to criticise, however the loss against bottom-of-the-table Umraniyespor is far more concerning, especially considering they were defeated 4-1.

Riza Calimbay's side have been very disappointing all season, and there is still a chance they are relegated from the Super Lig, currently sitting just three points above 16th-placed Giresunspor, who also have a game in hand.

While Sivasspor have been poor in the Super Lig, the Turkish Cup has been a welcome distraction all season, reaching this stage of the competition for the second year in a row, having gone all the way to the final in the 2021-22 campaign.

The Braves brought home the Turkish Cup for the first time in their history last season, defeating Kayserispor 3-2 in the final, and their previous history in the competition could give them confidence heading into Wednesday's game.

Fenerbahce Turkish Cup form:

D

Fenerbahce form (all competitions):

W

D

W

D

D

W

Sivasspor Turkish Cup form:

D

Sivasspor form (all competitions):

W

L

D

L

L

L

Team News

Fenerbahce will be without goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who has missed the last seven games with injury, so Irfan Can Egribayat is expected to continue between the sticks for the hosts.

Lincoln has been a long-term absentee for the Yellow Canaries, missing the last 13 games, and the midfielder remains on the treatment table.

Strikers Michy Batshuayi and Enner Valencia both got on the scoresheet last time out, with the latter bagging his 28th league goal of the season, eight more than any other player, and they should both keep their places in the side, in a 4-4-2 system.

As for Sivasspor, Calimbay may choose to mix things up, considering his side's very poor recent form, and Leke James could get the nod in attack, replacing Jordy Caicedo.

The manager will have to make do without Murat Paluli and Ziya Erdil, both of whom are expected to be out until early June with injury issues.

Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:

Egribayat; Kadioglu, Akaydin, Szalai, Luan Peres; Guler, Arao, Zajc, Rossi; Batshuayi, Valencia

Sivasspor possible starting lineup:

Vural; Okumus, Appidangoye, Osmanpasa, Camara; Cofie, Arslan, Yalcin, N'Jie, Gradel; James

We say: Fenerbahce 2-0 Sivasspor

Although Sivasspor won the Turkish Cup last season, we do not expect them to be able to reach the final for the second year in a row, as their league form has been terrible, losing their last four games.

As such, Fenerbahce should run out comfortable winners, booking their place in the final against either Ankaragucu or Istanbul Basaksehir.

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