Fenerbahçe
Fenerbahçe enter a new chapter with Dirk Kuyt taking temporary charge following İsmail Kartal's departure. The club confirmed on Friday that the former Liverpool forward will lead the first team until the international break while the search for a permanent manager continues. Monday's 2-1 derby defeat against Galatasaray increased the pressure on the Istanbul side, with İrfan Can Kahveci scoring their only goal. Kuyt's immediate challenge is to restore stability without several defensive options.
Nathan Aké and Marco Asensio are ruled out through injury, while Archie Brown must serve a three-match suspension. Kojo Peprah Oppong could therefore partner Milan Škriniar in central defence. N'Golo Kanté and Mattéo Guendouzi are expected to retain their midfield positions, providing the platform for Oğuz Aydın and Mason Greenwood. Romelu Lukaku remains a strong candidate to start up front, although Vedat Muriqi is pushing for the same position after starting the recent Champions League match against Slavia Prague.
Göztepe
Stanimir Stoilov's Göztepe have transformed their early-season form with three consecutive league victories. After failing to win any of their opening six matches, the İzmir side defeated Eyüpspor, Kocaelispor and Çorum FK. Their latest success was particularly encouraging, with Alexis Antunes opening the scoring in the third minute before setting up Juan for the second goal. That attacking combination gives Göztepe confidence as they prepare to face a Fenerbahçe side undergoing a managerial change.
Stoilov has maintained a consistent defensive structure built around Malcom Bokele, Noah Sonko-Sundberg and Taha Altıkardeş. Richard Akonnor and Arda Okan Kurtulan provide width from wing-back, while Novatus Miroshi operates centrally. The main selection question concerns Rhaldney, who was substituted after suffering an injury against Çorum FK. Recent reports indicate that both he and Juan are available, although Tino Anjorin remains an alternative in midfield. André Henrique is expected to partner Juan in attack, with Antunes supporting the pair from a deeper position.
