Fenerbahce will host Caykur Rizespor at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Sunday to obtain victory that can maintain their Turkish Super Lig title ambitions alive.
In their pursuit to claim the title from Galatasaray the Yellow Canaries must avoid defeats because they currently trail their rivals by six points.
Before the FC Midtjylland encounter Fenerbahce found themselves in danger of dropping out of Europa League competition because they needed to get a favorable result to qualify for further European competition.
The team advanced to the playoff round when they tied Danish opponents Midtjylland 2-2 and achieved 24th position with 10 points above Braga and Elfsborg through goal difference.
From February 13 to 20 the players will participate in the two-leg playoff against Anderlecht to enter the Round of 16 before concentrating on their domestic title competition throughout this period.
Fenerbahce won their game against Goztepe by a 3-2 score after Jose Mourinho missed the match due to his suspension.
The Fenerbahce team intends to maintain their Super Lig victory run at four wins by facing Caykur Rizespor at home while holding a 11-game unbeaten record in all competitions against this opponent.
The signing of Talisca from Al Nassr gives Mourinho superior offensive capabilities and strengthens his squad at a time when the Yellow Canaries have achieved positive results through their winter acquisitions.
Rizespor stands alone among the top-flight clubs since they have not drawn on any of their previous road matches during this term. They hope to turn this trend into a success by ending Saturday's match without defeat.
They have only won twice in 24 visits to Fenerbahce, with their most recent away success occurring in 1981. History is against them, though.
In recent weeks, Ilhan Palut's team has alternated between victories and losses; their most recent league triumph came 3-2 over Adana Demirspor, who are currently in last place.
After 20 games, the victory moved the visitors to eighth place in the standings with 27 points, nine points behind fourth-place Eyupspor, giving them the opportunity to try for a European berth.
Due to injury, Fenerbahce is having trouble, especially in defense, as full-back Mert Muldur (shoulder) and first-choice goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (thigh) are still out.
In the meantime, Talisca is anticipated to make his debut, giving the hosts a new offensive option, while Rodrigo Becao and Jayden Oosterwolde are also sidelined due to chronic knee issues.
Due to their cumulative yellow card suspensions, Rizespor's new recruits Samet Akaydin and Casper Hojer are expected to fill in for Husniddin Aliqulov and Taha Sahin.
Ivo Grbic and Mithat Pala have finished their bans and are available for selection, however Eray Korkmaz is still out due to a broken foot.
