Fenerbahçe confident ahead of derby
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Article summary
Fenerbahçe SK will be aiming to extend an impressive home record against Galatasaray AS when the rivals face off at the Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium on Saturday.
Article body
Zico unbeaten
Since taking over at Fenerbahçe, Brazilian coach Zico has yet to lose a league derby but Galatasaray will be hoping their rivals might be distracted by next week's visit of PFC CSKA Moskva in their deciding UEFA Champions League group match. The Aslanlar's coach, Karl-Heinz Feldkamp does at least know what it takes to win at the Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium having famously inflicted a 4-1 defeat on the hosts during his first spell at the Galatasaray helm in 1992/93, but he knows he will be facing another stern test this weekend.
Strong midfield
Fenerbahçe have a settled, experienced side with summer signings Roberto Carlos, Gökçek Vederson and Gökhan Gönül quickly adapting to their new surroundings. Zico's side also boast a central midfield partnership of Deniz Barış and Mehmet Aurélio who will look to impose themselves early upon Galatasaray's youthful pairing of Barış Özbek and Mehmet Topal. However, the visitors have fearsome attacking options with Ümit Karan, Hakan Şükür, Shabani Nonda and Serkan Çalık all vying for a starting place – and Feldkamp's side are four points clear of Fenerbahçe at the top of the Süper Lig, with surprise-package Sivasspor currently dividing them.
Alex axis
Both sides possess Brazilian playmakers, with Alex the pivotal figure around which Fenerbahçe functions. The 30-year-old South American has scored five league goals and is also enjoying major influence on the European stage, scoring UEFA Champions League goals so far this campaign. Galatasaray's Lincoln, meanwhile, has been struggling, although a thigh strain looks likely to rule him and Tobias Linderoth out. Galatasaray will also be without suspended Hasan Şaş, making their attempt to arrest their eight-year winless streak all the more difficult.
'Great atmosphere'
Another home win for Fenerbahçe will take them to within a point of their neighbours and Selçuk Şahin is looking forward to the challenge. "The atmosphere at the stadium will be great," he said. "Every one of us understands the importance of the game and so we are doing extra preparations. We are only contemplating winning There are no favourites in a derby match - the most ambitious team will win." Despite their injuries Mehmet Aurélio is all too wary of the threat posed by the league leaders, saying: "They have built a good side. On Saturday we will not underestimate them, we will respect their strength."