The great Istanbul Derby- Galatasaray hosts eternal enemies Fenerbahce

By: Musab | April 25th, 2008

I’ll just say it very bluntly. We have to win tomorrow. It’s as simple as that. If we want to be champions, we have to defeat Fenerbahce tomorrow in our home field. Can we? I truly believe so.

Advantages

1. Youth
If our youngsters are able to show their desire to win, I truly believe they can wipe the floor with the mob from Kadikoy.

2. Home field advantage
Its a known fact that our fans are able to strike fear into the hearts of our opponents. The Ali Sami Yen stadium will be on fire tomorrow, lets hope that the boys will understand how serious this match is. Let’s also hope the scum understand why they shouldn’t be expected to win.

3. Match-ups
There are several key matchups in which we are superior to them. See below for more details.

Disadvantages

1. Theres no manager in charge
After Feldkamps departure the team has won every single game with the help of caretaker manager Cevat Guler. However everyone is asking as to whether Guler has enough real experience to manage the big matches.

2. Inexperience
At the end of the day, 7 out of 11 of our players are under the age of 24. Our youngsters have endured a lot this season and have done much more then could be expected of them. However now they have to pull together for one final push for the trophy that we rightfully deserve.

Key Matchups

1.Mehmet Topal (GS)-Alex (FB)

Fenerbahces captain, Alex de Souza can be considered the best player in Turkey right now. His intelligent play, amazing free kicks and pinpoint passes have led Fenerbahce to their recent trophies. However I doubt that Alex will be able to do anything this Sunday. Reason? Mehmet Topal. Mehmet has been one of the best players in the league this year. Mehmet will be able to cut him completely from the game. His long legs compared to Alex’s 5′5 frame wont even be a challenge for our golden boy.

2. Servet Cetin (GS)- Mateja Kezman (FB)

Kezman has been in horrible form these past couple of weeks (did you see that miss against Denizli??? Who knew this guy played for Chelsea?). However the Serbian “star” can always be a threat. However Servet’s muscular build will be enough to leave him all by his lonesome this Sunday.

3. Shabani Nonda (GS)- Edu Dracena+Diego Lugano (FB)

After Umit Karan’s terrible injury last week against IBB, Shabani Nonda has had to step up to the plate. I see Nonda as the favorite in this match up. While the two foreigners have been in great form recently, Nondas sheer strength will be too much for them both to handle. Let’s not forget that Nonda just dosen’t miss.