Besiktas vs Fenerbahce: Full stats, predicted lineups, key insights for Turkish derby

The Istanbul derby between Besiktas and Fenerbahce will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Tupras Stadium, kicking off at 7:00 PM (GMT+3).

This Super Lig clash is crucial for both teams. Besiktas, searching for their first win in five matches, will look to overcome their struggles, while Fenerbahce aims to extend their five-game winning streak and narrow the gap with league leaders Galatasaray.

As one of the fiercest rivalries in Turkish football, the Besiktas vs Fenerbahce match promises intensity and high drama.

Besiktas’ struggles, Fenerbahce’s dominance in Turkish Super Lig

Besiktas are battling poor form and inconsistency. The Black Eagles last tasted victory in early November, and their most recent match—a 1-1 draw with Hatayspor—exposed defensive issues despite a goal from top scorer Ciro Immobile.

Interim coach Serdar Topraktepe is working to stabilize the team after the departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The home side currently sits fifth in the league, one point behind fourth-placed Eyupspor, but their recent home performances have been disappointing, with two consecutive losses.

Key points:

• Recent Super Lig form: 0 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses
• Last match: 1-1 draw against Hatayspor, with Immobile scoring.
• Position: 5th in the Super Lig standings, trailing Eyupspor by one point

On the other hand, Fenerbahce has been in remarkable form under Jose Mourinho. They have won their last 5 league matches, with their most recent victory being a 3-1 win over Gaziantep.

The team has scored 36 goals this season—the most in the league—and conceded just 12. Fenerbahce also boast an unbeaten away record that now spans 26 consecutive Super Lig matches, making them formidable opponents in this derby.

Key points:

• Recent Super Lig form: 5 wins, 0 losses
• Last match: 3-1 win against Gaziantep, with goals from Oguz Aydin, Rodrigo Becao, and Edin Dzeko
• Position: 2nd in the Super Lig, three points behind Galatasaray

Expected starting lineups for Besiktas vs Fenerbahce, injury concerns

Besiktas are missing several key players because of injuries. Gabriel Paulista and Felix Uduokhai are unavailable in defense, while Necip Uysal is out with a ligament injury. Topraktepe is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Immobile leading the attack.

• Unavailable players:
  • Gabriel Paulista (hamstring)
  • Necip Uysal (ligament)
  • Felix Uduokhai (ankle)
• Predicted XI:
  Gunok; Svensson, Sanuc, Topcu, Masuaku; Ucan, Gedson Fernandes; Rashica, Silva, Kilicsoy; Immobile.

Fenerbahce has fewer injury issues but will miss Jayden Oosterwolde, who is out for the season, and potentially Caglar Soyuncu, who remains doubtful. Mourinho is expected to rely on his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation, with Dusan Tadic and Edin Dzeko spearheading the attack.

Key points:

• Unavailable players:
  • Jayden Oosterwolde (season-ending injury)
  • Caglar Soyuncu (doubtful)
• Predicted XI:
  Livakovic; Osayi-Samuel, Becao, Akaydin, Kostic; Fred, Amrabat; Tadic, Oguz Aydin, En-Nesyri; Dzeko

Star players who could influence outcome of Besiktas vs Fenerbahce derby

Besiktas

1. Ciro Immobile:
   • The league’s top scorer with 9 goals this season
   • Immobile’s finishing will be crucial for Besiktas to capitalize on chances against Fenerbahce’s solid defense
2. Milot Rashica:
   • With 4 assists, Rashica is Besiktas’ main creative outlet
   • His ability to stretch defenses and deliver key passes could open up opportunities for his teammates
3. Mert Gunok:
   • Despite recent criticism, Gunok remains vital to Besiktas’ defense and will need to deliver a strong performance

Fenerbahce

1. Edin Dzeko:
   • Fenerbahce’s leading scorer with 8 goals
   • Dzeko is a proven goal-scorer in derbies and a threat both in the air and on the ground
2. Dusan Tadic:
   • A versatile attacker with 7 goals and 6 assists this season
   • Tadic’s creativity and composure make him a key figure in Fenerbahce’s attack
3. Dominik Livakovic:
   • Fenerbahce’s reliable goalkeeper, who has been instrumental in their defensive success

Historical data, recent trends in Besiktas vs Fenerbahce rivalry

Overall head-to-head record

• Total matches played: 360
• Fenerbahce wins: 136
• Besiktas wins: 127
• Draws: 97

Fenerbahce holds the edge historically and has dominated recent encounters. They won both league derbies last season (3-1 and 2-1) and are unbeaten in their last four visits to Tupras Stadium. Besiktas’ last home win against Fenerbahce came in 2019, a 2-0 victory.

Discipline, intensity in Besiktas vs Fenerbahce derbies

Matches between these two sides are known for their fiery atmosphere. In their last 30 meetings, referees have handed out 19 red cards and 185 yellow cards. Besiktas has been the more aggressive side, receiving 13 of those red cards, while Fenerbahce has been more disciplined, avoiding a red card in their last eight derbies.

Goal-scoring trends

Seven of the last ten meetings have seen both teams score, underscoring the attacking capabilities on both sides. Fenerbahce’s recent league matches have averaged 3.6 goals per game, making this derby a likely high-scoring affair.

Predictions, analysis for upcoming Besiktas vs Fenerbahce Super Lig derby

Given their contrasting forms, Fenerbahce enters the derby as a clear favorite. Besiktas’ defensive frailties and lack of consistency leave them vulnerable, while Fenerbahce’s balance and momentum could prove decisive.

However, derbies often defy expectations, and Besiktas will hope home advantage and Immobile’s clinical finishing can help them spring a surprise.

Our prediction for the Besiktas vs Fenerbahce derby that is set to take place in Istanbul tonight would be Besiktas 1–2 Fenerbahce.

The Besiktas vs Fenerbahce derby is a game of high stakes. For Besiktas, it’s a chance to reignite their season and prove their resilience. For Fenerbahce, it’s an opportunity to continue their charge for the Super Lig title. With a passionate crowd expected at Tupras Stadium, the Besiktas vs Fenerbahce match is one you should not miss.