Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe prepare for 407th derby match

Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are set to face each other for the 407th time in their historic 117-year rivalry during the 9th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig. The match will take place at RAMS Park, with Atilla Karaoğlan appointed as the head referee.

Galatasaray currently leads the league with 19 points from 8 matches, while Fenerbahçe follows in third place with 16 points. Galatasaray enters the match with a significant home advantage, maintaining a 39-match unbeaten streak at RAMS Park.

Both teams face squad concerns. Galatasaray is monitoring the fitness of Barış Alper Yılmaz and Rafael Leao, with Leao expected to start on the bench depending on medical reports. Fenerbahçe will be without Marco Asensio and Nathan Ake due to injuries, though Mert Müldür is expected to return to the squad.

Historically, Fenerbahçe holds a slight edge in total wins across all competitions with 150 victories compared to Galatasaray's 131, while 125 matches ended in draws. In the Süper Lig specifically, Fenerbahçe leads with 53 wins to Galatasaray's 39.