Soccer
Hatayspor vs Fenerbahçe: Relegation Fears Collide with Runner-Up Resolve in Monday’s Süper Lig Duel
Hatayspor’s last home match of the season could also be their last in the top flight as they welcome an injury-hit but in-form Fenerbahçe side. With the visitors unbeaten in eight head-to-head meetings and still chasing momentum after missing out on the title, expect a tense evening on the Mediterranean coast.
Monday night’s fixture at the New Hatay Stadium carries very different motivations for the two clubs. Hatayspor, currently 18th, must collect points to avoid an immediate drop to the First League. Fenerbahçe, already guaranteed second place, travel south eager to close the campaign on a high after watching arch-rivals Galatasaray lift the crown.
Recent Form
- Hatayspor snapped a poor run with a stunning 5-0 victory over Adana Demirspor last week, yet remain just a point from safety. Five of their previous six league matches produced at least three goals, highlighting both attacking intent and defensive fragility.
- Fenerbahçe edged Eyüpspor 2-1 and have now recorded eight straight wins against Hatayspor in all competitions, scoring two or more in each encounter.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
Fenerbahçe have taken maximum points in the last six meetings, including January’s 2-1 success in Istanbul. In eight of the previous ten clashes, the Yellow Canaries led at both the interval and full time.
Team News
- Out: R. Pedro (injury), C. Strandberg (suspension)
- Back: Francisco Calvo returns from a ban; Abdulkadir Parmak declared fit.
- Suspended: Fred
- Injured: Diego Carlos, M. H. Yandaş, İ. C. Kahveci, Allan Saint-Maximin, J. Oosterwolde, Rodrigo Becão
- İsmail Yüksek is set to partner Sofyan Amrabat in midfield; Alexander Djiku steps into central defence.
Probable Line-ups
Hatayspor (4-2-3-1)
Bekaj; Sertel, Calvo, Kilama, Çörekçi; Massanga, Parmak; Fernandes, Sağlam, Boutobba; Okoronkwo
Fenerbahçe (3-5-2)
Livaković; Söyüncü, Djiku, Škriniar; Kostić, Szymański, Amrabat, Yüksek, Aydın; En-Nesyri, Talisca
Tactical Outlook
- Hatayspor will likely commit runners forward, but must tighten a back line that concedes space between the centre-backs.
- Fenerbahçe should dominate possession through Amrabat and Szymański, looking to release Kostić down the left and isolate En-Nesyri against a reshuffled defence.
Prediction
Hatayspor’s urgency could create an open contest, yet Fenerbahçe’s superior quality in the final third and proven record in this fixture make them favourites. Expect the visitors to control the tempo and convert at least once in each half.
Forecast: Hatayspor 1-3 Fenerbahçe