Fenerbahce travels to face Alanyaspor on Sunday in a pivotal Turkish Super Lig encounter that could significantly impact the title race. The Istanbul-based powerhouse enters the match trailing league leaders Galatasaray by just three points, making every remaining fixture crucial in their quest for domestic supremacy. Meanwhile, the home side finds themselves in mid-table security, occupying tenth position despite an unusual pattern of results that has seen them draw nearly as many games as they've played.
The Visitors' Unrelenting Pursuit
Under the guidance of head coach Domenico Tedesco, Fenerbahce has crafted an impressive unbeaten record in league competition this season. Through 17 matches, the club has amassed 11 victories and six draws, demonstrating remarkable consistency in Turkey's top flight. This resilience has kept them firmly within striking distance of the summit, though Galatasaray's equally formidable form has prevented them from seizing the top spot.
The team's ambitions extend beyond domestic borders, with recent reports linking the club to high-profile acquisitions including Chelsea icon N'Golo Kanté. While such speculation generates excitement among supporters, Tedesco's immediate focus remains on maintaining momentum on the pitch. The Italian-German tactician has successfully instilled a winning mentality that has seen his squad overcome numerous challenges throughout the campaign.
Fenerbahce's quality was emphatically displayed in their recent Turkish Super Cup triumph over archrivals Galatasaray, where they secured a convincing 2-0 victory. This result served as a powerful statement of intent, proving they can defeat their primary competitors in high-stakes situations. The psychological boost from such a win cannot be understated as they enter the final stretch of the season.
Since the calendar turned, the visitors have won six of their seven contests across all competitions. Their sole setback came in a Turkish Cup fixture against Besiktas, where they fell 2-1 in a tightly contested affair. This minor blip aside, the team's trajectory remains firmly upward, with their last two league outings producing emphatic results: a 4-0 demolition of Konyaspor and a 3-0 triumph away at Eyupspor.
Alanyaspor's Stubborn Resistance
While Fenerbahce chases glory at the top, Alanyaspor has built a reputation as a difficult opponent capable of frustrating even the league's elite. Despite suffering only four defeats this season—a record that typically suggests higher placement—they have been hampered by an extraordinary number of stalemates. With nine draws from 17 league fixtures, João Pereira's men have struggled to convert solid defensive displays into maximum points.
This pattern of sharing the spoils was particularly evident during a recent three-match sequence where Alanyaspor managed just a single goal, resulting in consecutive draws. Such offensive inefficiency has prevented them from climbing further up the table, though their defensive organization has remained commendable throughout the campaign.
The hosts enter Sunday's clash on the back of an impressive seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, a run that dates back to their November 23 defeat against Kasimpasa. This resilience suggests a team growing in confidence and finding ways to avoid defeat, even if victory continues to elude them with frustrating regularity.
Their most recent Super Lig performance offered encouragement, as they dispatched bottom-placed Fatih Karagumruk 2-0 on December 21. This result extended their clean sheet sequence in the league to three consecutive matches, highlighting the defensive solidity that has become their hallmark under Pereira's stewardship. However, a subsequent 2-2 draw against the same opposition in the Turkish Cup just days ago revealed the defensive vulnerabilities that can emerge when facing determined attacking units.
Tactical Considerations and Key Personnel
The midfield battle promises to be particularly intriguing, with Fenerbahce potentially introducing new signing Matteo Guendouzi into their starting eleven. The French international, recently arrived from Lazio, offers dynamism and technical quality that could prove decisive in breaking down Alanyaspor's compact defensive structure. His inclusion would likely come at the expense of İsmail Yüksek, who may make way despite his own contributions this season.
Defensive reinforcements are expected for the visitors, with goalkeeper Ederson and center-back Milan Škriniar anticipated to return after being rested for the midweek cup fixture. Their presence will bolster a backline that has been generally reliable throughout the campaign, providing stability against Alanyaspor's counter-attacking threats.
For the home side, the return of veteran South Korean striker Hwang Ui-Jo represents a significant boost. Having ended 2025 with a goal and an assist, his experience and finishing ability could prove crucial in converting their defensive resilience into offensive reward. He competes with Ianis Hagi and Ruan for a starting position, giving Pereira an interesting selection dilemma.
Florent Hadergjonaj emerged as an unlikely hero in the cup match against Fatih Karagumruk, scoring twice from right wing-back. His attacking contributions from defensive positions add another dimension to Alanyaspor's play, though the manager must decide how to balance this with defensive solidity against Fenerbahce's potent attack.
The visitors' star man, Anderson Talisca, recently committed his future to the club by signing a new contract. The Brazilian attacking midfielder has been in sensational form, netting 14 goals across all competitions and serving as the creative fulcrum of Tedesco's side. His ability to find space between the lines and execute in crucial moments makes him the primary threat that Alanyaspor's defense must neutralize.
Projected Lineups and Match Prediction
Alanyaspor is expected to field a similar lineup to their midweek cup selection, potentially featuring Victor in goal, with Makouta, Aliti, and Akdag forming a three-man defense. Hadergjonaj's impressive performance should secure him a place on the right, while the left side remains a tactical decision for Pereira. The midfield trio of Aksoy, Janvier, and Hagi will be tasked with controlling possession and disrupting Fenerbahce's rhythm, while the forward line led by either Hwang Ui-Jo or Yalcin will look to exploit any defensive lapses.
Fenerbahce's probable eleven sees Ederson return in goal, protected by a back four of Muldur, Škriniar, Oosterwolde, and Mercan. The midfield double pivot could feature Guendouzi alongside a more defensively-minded partner, providing both creativity and protection. The attacking trio of Asensio, Talisca, and Akturkoglu will support the central striker Dura, offering pace, skill, and clinical finishing.
Final Analysis
This encounter presents a fascinating clash of styles, with Fenerbahce's attacking prowess and title ambition meeting Alanyaspor's resilient, defense-first approach. The visitors' quality and motivation should ultimately prove too much for the hosts, though breaking down Pereira's organized unit will require patience and precision.
Expect Fenerbahce to dominate possession and create numerous chances, with Talisca serving as the likely match-winner. Alanyaspor will aim to stay compact and strike on the counter, but their recent goal-scoring difficulties suggest they may struggle to trouble the visitors' defense.
A narrow victory for the Istanbul giants appears the most probable outcome, likely by a one-goal margin, as Alanyaspor's stubbornness ensures they remain competitive throughout. This result would maintain Fenerbahce's pressure on Galatasaray while extending Alanyaspor's unbeaten run, albeit with another draw—their tenth of the campaign.