Fenerbahce will welcome Kayserispor to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Sunday, determined to secure a victory that keeps them within touching distance of league leaders Galatasaray. While the hosts currently sit second in the Super Lig, Kayserispor find themselves in 13th—though they have recently emerged as one of the division’s most in-form sides.
Galatasaray’s recent shock defeat to Besiktas has reignited Fenerbahce’s title hopes, with the gap at the top now narrowed to just three points. Although Galatasaray would need another unexpected slip-up for the race to truly heat up, José Mourinho’s men are riding a wave of momentum as they enter the final seven matches of the season.
Fenerbahce’s impressive form has seen them lose just once in their last 15 league games, racking up 12 wins and three draws. Their attacking prowess has been on full display in their last three outings, where they netted 11 goals against Bodrum FK, Trabzonspor, and Sivasspor. However, Mourinho may still have some defensive concerns, as his side failed to keep a clean sheet in any of those matches.
At home, Fenerbahce have been nearly unstoppable this season, winning 12 of their 14 league fixtures at Şükrü Saracoğlu. Their only recent stumble was a goalless draw against third-placed Samsunspor, proving that even the strongest sides can be held on occasion.
While Fenerbahce will be the favorites, Kayserispor’s recent resurgence cannot be overlooked. Alongside Fenerbahce and Istanbul Başakşehir, they are one of only three Super Lig teams to win their last three matches. Their victories over Hatayspor, Adana Demirspor, and Kasımpaşa were particularly convincing, with eight goals scored and three clean sheets maintained—highlighting their growing confidence.
However, Kayserispor’s away form remains a concern. They have managed just three wins in 14 league games on the road this season, scoring only 12 goals in the process. If they are to pull off an upset, manager Sergej Jakirović will need his side to defy their travel struggles and maintain their recent defensive solidity.
With the title race heating up, Fenerbahce can ill afford any slip-ups, while Kayserispor will be eager to extend their impressive run and climb further away from relegation worries. Sunday’s clash promises to be an intriguing battle between a title contender and a team hitting form at the right time.
Mourinho has to choose between sticking with the back three that worked well at Sivasspor or switching back to a back four.
With Edin Dzeko, Anderson Talisca, and Dusan Tadic all contributing goals or assists, it seems more probable that the latter will be kept.
If a formation change is needed and an additional player is needed, Oguz Aydin and Youssef En-Nesryi are both choices for the last third.
Majid Hosseini's expulsion last time out will compel Jakirovic to make at least three changes to his Kayserispor starting lineup.
