4 changes for Galatasaray

Galatasaray is facing Fenerbahçe at home in the 25th week of the Trendyol Super League. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk made 4 changes to the starting 11 from their last match against AZ Alkmaar. Buruk gave the starting nod to Fernando Muslera, Przemyslaw Frankowski, Eren Elmalı, and Mario Lemina, replacing Günay Güvenç, Carlos Cuesta, Elias Jelert, and Dries Mertens.

For the yellow-reds, Mauro Icardi, Alvaro Morata, and Ismail Jakobs were left out of the squad due to injuries. Yunus Akgün, who has recovered from his injury, is included in the 21-man squad.

Eren Elmalı and Mario Lemina in the starting 11 for the first time

Eren Elmalı and Mario Lemina, who joined Galatasaray during the mid-season transfer window, started in the derby. This marks the first time both players have been in the starting 11. Eren and Lemina had previously come on as substitutes in last week's match against Çaykur Rizespor. Lemina, who is in his second stint with the yellow-reds, also made his second appearance in a Fenerbahçe derby.

Fernando Muslera in goal

Günay Güvenç had played in goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 play-off second leg match against AZ Alkmaar. Manager Okan Buruk gave the chance to the Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera for the derby.

Mauro Icardi in the stands

Galatasaray's Argentine player Mauro Icardi, who is out for the season due to an injury, did not leave his teammates alone for the derby and followed the match from the stands. Before the match, Icardi went down to the pitch to greet the fans and led the traditional team chant.

Plaque presented to Barış Alper Yılmaz

Before the match, Galatasaray Second President Metin Öztürk presented a plaque and a jersey with the number 100 to Barış Alper Yılmaz, who reached his 100th league appearance in the away match against Gaziantep FK in the 22nd week of the Super League.

Galatasaray's starting 11

The yellow-reds started the derby with the following 11: Fernando Muslera, Przemyslaw Frankowski, Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı, Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina, Roland Sallai, Gabriel Sara, Barış Alper Yılmaz, and Victor Osimhen.

On the bench were Günay Güvenç, Kerem Demirbay, Dries Mertens, Yunus Akgün, Berkan Kutlu, Ahmed Kutucu, Kaan Ayhan, Elias Jelert, Carlos Cuesta, and Yusuf Demir.

Derby is sold out

Galatasaray fans did not leave their team alone against Fenerbahçe. Filling the stands at RAMS Park for the derby, the yellow-red fans prepared the players for the match with chants before kickoff.

News Source: İHA