Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal will give Kerem Akturkoglu one final chance in the upcoming Galatasaray derby. The forward's future in the starting lineup is under threat if he fails to deliver in the match on 26 October.
Kartal confirmed the decision, stating, "Kerem will be used in rotation by the experienced manager if he fails to meet expectations in the Galatasaray derby too." It was noted that "Ismail Kartal has decided to give the national team player one last chance."
The 28-year-old winger has managed only one goal and five assists in 14 appearances this season. He received a low rating of 6.4 and was booed by fans when substituted in the 82nd minute of the recent draw with Slavia Prague, struggling to find form after an injury at the start of the campaign. The good performances of Oguz Aydin in his absence have given the coaching staff alternatives.
Akturkoglu, who joined from Benfica last season and is under contract until 2029, has an estimated market value of €18 million. His performance in the derby will be decisive for his role.
The derby pits league leaders Galatasaray against third-placed Fenerbahçe. Galatasaray top the Süper Lig with 19 points from 8 games and have a record of three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five matches. Their next fixture, visible on the fixtures page, is this derby on 26 October. Rivals Fenerbahçe trail the leaders by two points.
Fenerbahçe will be looking to boost morale ahead of the clash. They let a 2-0 lead slip in the final minutes to draw 2-2 with Slavia Prague in their last European outing, a result that has intensified Kartal's search for solutions. Galatasaray, meanwhile, come into the derby on a two-game winning streak, having beaten Lille 4-2 last time out. The Süper Lig standings show the importance of this match in the title race. Kartal's decision will finalise the starting eleven for this critical encounter.
More detail at Fotomac
