Fenerbahce had a lot going on in September, so they were more than happy to have the international break. I will back them to make a winning start on Sunday against inconsistent Rizespor.
Key Stats
- Rizespor have lost their last 2 home matches.
- Fenerbahce have won 13 of their last 14 matches against Rizespor.
- Fenerbahce’s Mason Greenwood has scored 2 goals in his last match.
Yellow Canaries Dominate H2H
Fenerbahce were victorious in 36 out of 53 head to head matches, while Rizespor have 8 wins against the Yellow Canaries.
Rizespor Struggling at Home
Rizespor are off to a solid start in the new Super Lig campaign, accumulating 10 points across six matches and currently sit in 9th place.
Recep Ucar's side is not doing well in front of the home crowd though, losing to Samsunspor 2-0 in their first appearance, while also suffering a 1-0 defeat against Alanyaspor in September.
Just before the international break, they were a couple of moments away from beating Goztepe on the road but conceded in stoppage time, the game ended in a 2-2 draw. Rizespor had 0.78-2.78 expected goals and 4-10 shots on target here.
September Was Turbulent for Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce are having a disappointing start in the Turkish top flight, winning just three out of six games so far (ten points total) and currently occupy 6th position on the table.
They had an awful performance in the Istanbul derby against Besiktas in early September, losing 2-1 while posting just 0.59 xG, while things were looking better in the following UCL clash against Roma, ending 1-1 in Turkey.
Right after that game manager Ismail Kartal wanted to resign, but the club president refused to accept it, then they slipped once again with a goalless draw against Gaziantep.
Just before the international break, the Yellow Canaries humiliated Eyupspor 8-0 at home, Vedat Muriqi netting four goals, while Mason Greenwood recorded two goals and one assist.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Rizespor (4-1-4-1) Yahia Fofana; Mithat Pala, Attila Mocsi, Tayyib Sanuc, Modibo Sagnan; Taylan Antalyali; Iustin Doicaru, Muhamed Sahin, Ibrahim Olawoyin, Eray Bulut; Ali Sowe
Romanian winger Valentin Mihaila serves a two-match suspension following his red card against Eyupspor. Furthermore, Khusniddin Alikulov remains out due to a cruciate ligament injury, while Qazim Laci faces a fitness check.
Romanian winger Valentin Mihaila serves a two-match suspension following his red card against Eyupspor. Furthermore, Khusniddin Alikulov remains out due to a cruciate ligament injury, while Qazim Laci faces a fitness check.
Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1) Ederson; Nelson Semedo, Nathan Ake, Milan Skriniar, Archie Brown; Matteo Guendouzi, Ngolo Kante; Mason Greenwood, Irfan Can Kahveci, Kerem Akturkoglu; Vedat Muriqi
Mert Muldur and Jayden Oosterwolde are ruled out for Fenerbahce due to injuries, while Amara Diouf is doubtful.
Mert Muldur and Jayden Oosterwolde are ruled out for Fenerbahce due to injuries, while Amara Diouf is doubtful.