Prediction: Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to extend on their stellar purple patch on Christmas Eve afternoon, Fenerbahce will make the trip to Trabzonspor for what could be an enjoyable affair.

Trabzonspor

Starting with the hosts, managing to mark their return to domestic duties with a thumping 3-0 victory at home against Samsunspor while on Turkish Cup duties, Trabzonspor will be looking to use that display as a platform to build on. Heading into the World Cup’s winter break with back-to-back stalemates against Ankaragucu and Konyaspor, Abdullah Avci’s men have struggled to find much stability this season. Although the Trabzon-based outfit might have shocked many as they clinched a seventh Super Lig crown, the one-time Besiktas boss finds his side facing a real uphill struggle this time around. Opening their top-flight return sat six points adrift in the title chase, Trabzonspor should at least be boosted by their continued success on home soil. Including their midweek 3-0 win against Samsunspor, Saturday’s hosts are remarkably unbeaten at the Akyazı Stadium since way back in August 2021.

Team News

Limping off in the first-half against Samsunspor earlier in the week, former Everton midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin looks set to miss out on Saturday afternoon. However, both returning to training Bruno Peres and Emrehan Gedikli could feature here.

Ex-Aston Villa forward Trezeguet and Tasos Bakasetas are set to make their Super Lig return on Christmas Eve after serving respective suspensions. Finding the net in midweek, 26-year-old Umut Bozok will be hoping to keep his place leading the line.

Fenerbahce

As for the visitors, while Fenerbahce might have been frustrated after settling for a silver-medal finish last season, the Jorge Jesus’ men have come flying out of the traps this time around. Last seen earlier in the week picking up a deserved 3-1 victory at home against Istanbulspor on Turkish Cup duties, the Yellow Canaries should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Picking up some perfect momentum during the World Cup’s winter break after clinching a trio of friendly victories against the likes of Villarreal and Salernitana, Saturday’s guests also find themselves holding a two-point buffer at the top of the Super Lig table. With their sights firmly set on reclaiming their domestic crown in the New Year, Fenerbahce have also lost just one of their previous nine top-flight contests – a run that stems all the way back to August 29th.

Team News

Bagging a brace on Turkish Cup duties earlier in the week, former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi should spearhead Fenerbahce’s attack on Saturday afternoon. The Belgium international could be joined in attack by former Bournemouth forward Joshua King.

Settling for a place on the bench in midweek, Miguel Crespo could come in and replace Mert Hakan Yandas at the heart of Jesus’ midfield. Hungary international Attila Szalai should once again be partnered with Gustavo Henrique at the back.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back on March 6th, Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce played out a 1-1 draw at the Sukru Saracoglu.
• 12 of the previous 13 meetings between Saturday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Likewise, the defending Super Lig champions have seen nine of their last 13 top-flight home fixtures have finished in an identical outcome.
• Fenerbahce have lost just one of their previous nine Super Lig contests – a run that stems all the way back to August 29th.
• However, Trabzonspor are remarkably unbeaten at the Akyazi Stadium since way back in August 2021.

Conclusion

In a real showdown between two Turkish heavyweights on Saturday afternoon, neutrals will be hoping for a Christmas cracker at the Akyazi Stadium. Although Fenerbahce might be desperate to widen their buffer at the top of the table this weekend, the defending Super Lig champions have only continued on a remarkable unbeaten run on home soil. Not suffering a single defeat in front of their own supporters over the past 16 months, don’t be surprised to see a lively affair here. It should be noted, with 12 of their previous 13 showdowns finishing with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet