Turkish giant Fenerbahçe will look to continue its winning run in the Super League as it takes on minnows Kasımpaşaspor at home Sunday. Aykut Kocaman's side was under huge pressure after it drew three consecutive matches in 9th, 10th and 11th game week against Galatasaray, Kayserispor and Osmanlıspor.
Kocaman faced some heavy criticism after the performance and announced he would resign. But the club administration convinced him to stay. The team has shown some improvement since. The Yellow Canaries finally bounced back with two wins in the last two weeks as they rekindled title hopes. It first beat Demir Grup Sivasspor 4-1 in the 12th week and overcame Antalyaspor 1-0 on the road.
Now, the Istanbul powerhouse is ranked third in the league with 23 points. It would want to rack up another win to close the gap with Galatasaray and Başakşehir, ranked first and second respectively. However, the problem in Fenerbahçe forward line, which has dragged the team down in a number of occasions this season, remains. With Vincent Janssen unavailable through suspension, Roberto Soldado out with injury and Brazilian forward Fernandao having cut off ties with the club, Fener's only star striking option remains with Robin van Persie, who has missed much of the season due to injuries.
Coach Kocaman will look for alternatives in Aatif Chahechouhe, and the midfielders Giuliano de Paula, Mehmet Ekici, Alper Potuk, and Nabil Dirar. This season, Fenerbahçe could not win a single match with van Persie on the pitch. It drew against Sturm Graz 1-1, Göztepe 2-2, Trabzonspor 2-2 and lost to Vardar 2-1. In the other matches Sunday, last season's runner-up Medipol Başakşehir will host Osmanlıspor, Gençlerbirliği will meet Demir Grup Sivasspor and Atiker Konyaspor will take on Bursaspor. The game week 14 actions in Super League will end Monday with Aytemiz Alanyaspor taking on Kayserispor and Trabzonspor playing at home against Antalyaspor.
