Buruk has his derby plan ready
Okan Buruk has given the squad a morale talk and locked in his victory plan for Fenerbahçe (1). Galatasaray host the derby at home in Süper Lig week 9 (1). You are second on 19 points from 8 games, with a goal difference of +6.
Sara: the city stops for this
Gabriel Sara does not need to be sold on it. "The derby is always a game apart, when the city stops and everyone only talks about it," he said. "We are ready, and we count on the strength of our fans to go and get another win" (3).
His confidence comes from Lille 2–4 Galatasaray in the Champions League (3). "That first win was very important, it strengthens and brings confidence to the group," Sara said. "Even with a slightly complicated first half, the team reacted" (3).
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Yunus wants a derby gift for the stands
Yunus Akgün is thinking about the atmosphere. "Of course a great atmosphere is waiting for us," he said. "In the Fenerbahçe derby, especially at our stadium, our fans give us huge support." His target: "We want to win and make our fans happy, to give our community a beautiful derby" (4).
What Fenerbahçe are working on
İsmail Kartal has most of his Fenerbahçe XI settled for the trip to Galatasaray, but he is still undecided in three positions (2).
Trabzonspor are the form team
Worth knowing: Thomas Reis has Trabzonspor on five straight wins with 15 goals, including clean-sheet wins over Galatasaray and Beşiktaş (5). That 4–0 loss at Trabzonspor on September 19 is part of that run.
What is next
Fenerbahçe at home on Monday, 19:30 CET. Then Konyaspor away on Friday, October 30, and VfB Stuttgart at home in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 3.
Fan reactions
The subreddit is split between belief and nerves. One thread claims Wilfried Singo has told the staff he wants to start the derby, and another carries an unverified line that İsmail Kartal would resign if Galatasaray win. The tactical worry is the centre-back pairing against Fenerbahçe's strikers. Derby thread
