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The funny thing about the Turkish capital of Istanbul is that it is one of a few transcontinental cities, spanning across both Europe and Asia. With Galatasaray coming from the European section and Fenerbahce from the Asian section, the name The Intercontinental Derby was given to the matches between these two powerhouses in Turkish football. With both cultural, social and regional differences fuelling the sporting rivalry, the scene is set for drama and action.

It's no vacation for neither Fenerbahçe nor Galatasaray as both were in action only a few days ago. Expect some tired legs on the pitch and/or possibly some changes to the lineups.

This is a match between teams from the same area, a local derby. The community is buzzing.

Fenerbahçe form and stats

22 points is a decent return from 11 Super Lig games here at Ülker Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi for Fenerbahçe. The data says 7 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses. Ever since the Yeni Malatyaspor game Fenerbahçe has been unbeatable here at Ülker Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi producing five straight wins.

Happy days for Fenerbahçe in their previous game, a Super Lig match away at Hatayspor (placed 7th) that ended with a 2-1 victory. Previous to that game, a home match hosting Rizespor in a game that was won 1-0.

This is expected to be a close game, with Fenerbahçe perhaps considered small favourites due to their home advantage. Looking back at earlier matches similar to this one (expected to be close with Fenerbahçe as a small favourite), we find four games. Fenerbahçe has won two of these, drawn one and lost one.

Some members of the home team might already be thinking of their next match, the Turkish Cup game versus İstanbul Başakşehir in only three days. This game is also played here at Ülker Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi.

A decent goal production from Fenerbahçe in their home games so far, with 21 goals from 11 league matches. Fenerbahçe have conceded 14 in these home matches. There's been improvement defensively lately, as only 1 of these goals has been conceded in their last 3 home matches.

Galatasaray form and stats

Playing away, Galatasaray, who have the fewest conceded goals (18) in Super Lig, have won 7 games, drawn 0 and suffered 4 defeats in the Super Lig this season. The fact that Galatasaray have won four matches in a row should scare the hosts and makes this contest more interesting. Momentum is building for Galatasaray in their away games, having won their two previous outings.

Henry Onyekuru, Mostafa Mohamed and Ryan Donk scored in Galatasaray's previous match, the home game against İstanbul Başakşehir that ended 3-0. Prior to that result Galatasaray won their away game at Gazisehir Gaziantep. The scoreline was 2-1.

So, this is expected to be a close game, an even contest. Looking at earlier matches with Galatasaray playing away and similar expectations, we found five relevant matches. Results were one Galatasaray win, one draw and three defeats.

A quick return to home after this game, as Galatasaray are hosting Alanyaspor in the Turkish Cup only four days away.

Galatasaray are not goal shy away from home in the league, finding the net 19 times in 11 away games so far. Galatasaray have conceded 12 goals in these away matches.

Head 2 Head

This is not the first time this season these parties meet, as the history books show this recent fixture: Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe 0-0. Numbers for the last ten meetings between these two teams are: two wins for Fenerbahçe, six draws and two wins for Galatasaray. Over 2,5 goals: two times; under 2,5 goals: eight games.

Top Goalscorers

Y. Belhanda 6 goals

M. Thiam 5 goals

R. García Zárate 5 goals

Fenerbahçe missing players

Galatasaray missing players