Kocaelispor vs Fenerbahce: Prediction, Team News & Lineups Preview
Fenerbahce faces off against Kocaelispor in a critical Turkish Super Lig encounter. This match, taking place on Monday evening, is crucial for both teams. Fenerbahce aims to close the gap on league leaders Galatasaray, while Kocaelispor seeks to stabilize its mid-table position.
Match Preview: Kocaelispor vs Fenerbahce
Kocaelispor has struggled in early 2026. The team has yet to win in three competitive matches, including a Turkish Cup exit. A narrow defeat to Gaziantep and a league loss to Trabzonspor further dampened their spirits. They did manage a goalless draw with Samsunspor last time out. Despite these setbacks, Kocaelispor holds a comfortable ninth position, eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Kocaelispor’s Recent Form
- Turkish Cup: Lost 0-1 to Gaziantep
- Super Lig: Lost 1-2 to Trabzonspor
- Super Lig: Drew 0-0 with Samsunspor
Head Coach Selcuk Inan must find a way to rectify this decline in form. Historically, Kocaelispor struggles against Fenerbahce, having not secured a win since the early 2000s. They face a daunting task, as they carry a 13-match winless streak against the Istanbul club, comprising eight losses and five draws. The last encounter ended in a 3-1 defeat for Kocaelispor. Their last home meeting resulted in a 1-1 draw back in 2009.
Fenerbahce’s Title Aspirations
Fenerbahce currently sits three points behind Galatasaray in the league standings. Their recent 1-1 draw against Goztepe has intensified pressure on the team. A subsequent draw with FCSB in the Europa League added to their frustrations as they look to refocus on domestic success. To remain in the title chase, this match is pivotal.
Fenerbahce’s Statistics
- Unbeaten in the Super Lig: 12 wins, 7 draws
- Last away form: 12 matches undefeated, 8 wins, 4 draws
- Recent away scoring: Scored three goals in last two away league games
Team News
Kocaelispor will be without Mateusz Wieteska due to a cruciate knee injury. Goalkeeper Aleksandar Jovanovic is a doubt, and Tayfur Bingol is suspended from the match. Their only winter transfer addition is Mahamadou Susoho from Manchester City Under-21s.
Fenerbahce, on the other hand, deals with injuries to defensive players Levent Mercan and Archie Brown. Edson Alvarez’s ankle problem raises doubts about his participation, and Jhon Duran is also recovering from a thigh injury. New signings Matteo Guendouzi and Anthony Musaba are set to play significant roles.
Probable Lineups
Kocaelispor: Degirmenci; Oguz, Dijksteel, Smolcic, Haidara; Linetty, Keita; Churlinov, Rivas, Agyei; Petkovic
Fenerbahce: Ederson; Muldur, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Semedo; Guendouzi, Yuksek; Musaba, Asensio, Nene; Talisca
In summary, Kocaelispor must overcome their historical challenges against Fenerbahce. Given the mounting pressure in the title race, Fenerbahce’s strong away form makes them clear favorites in this matchup. A predicted scoreline leans towards a 2-1 victory for Fenerbahce.
