Fenerbahçe SK will host Beşiktaş in a sold-out Istanbul derby as head coach Ismail Kartal prepares for his fifth clash against the rivals. The match will kick off at 20:00 at Chobani Stadium under referee Halil Umut Meler, with assistant referees İbrahim Çağlar Uyarcan and Abdullah Bora Özkara overseeing the encounter.
What Is Ismail Kartal's Record Against Beşiktaş?
Ismail Kartal has faced Beşiktaş five times as Fenerbahçe head coach, winning four of those matches and drawing one. This experience becomes vital as Fenerbahçe prepares for the derby with Marco Asensio sidelined due to injury and Kerem Aktürkoğlu under observation following a concussion sustained in the win over Konyaspor.
Who Is Available and Who Is Missing?
Mert Günok has recovered and is available for selection after his incident in the Konyaspor match, while Jayden Oosterwolde and Çağlar Söyüncü remain sidelined according to our verified data. Anderson Talisca's contract was mutually terminated, affecting midfield depth ahead of the high-stakes derby.
How Has Fenerbahçe Started the Season?
Fenerbahçe SK began the campaign with a loss to Gençlerbirliği but responded with a home win over TÜMOSAN Konyaspor to claim their first league points. A 2-0 away victory against Samsunspor brought their tally to six points, placing them fourth in the Süper Lig, just one point behind leaders Galatasaray.
What European Success Preceded This Derby?
Fenerbahçe SK eliminated Olympique Lyon in the UEFA Champions League to qualify for the UEFA Europa League after an 18-year absence. This achievement boosted morale and allowed the squad to focus on domestic challenges, particularly the intense rivalry with Beşiktaş.
As reported by Hürriyet Spor, Fenerbahçe fans are expected to fill the stadium completely, creating an electric atmosphere for the derby. Ismail Kartal will aim to secure a victory to strengthen their league position and build momentum.
Fenerbahçe SK's next fixture is an away match against Başakşehir on 2026-12-06, with the team currently ninth in the table, providing Ismail Kartal his first test after the derby.
