Pressure on in Istanbul encounter

After a fine week for Turkish clubs in the UEFA Cup, all eyes are now on the Sükrü Saraçoglu for Sunday's Istanbul derby between Fenerbahçe SK and Galatasaray SK. Having drawn 2-2 at the Atatürk Olimpiyat stadium - venue for the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League final - in September, the return is of vital importance for both clubs.

Disappointing season
Galatasaray's season has, by their exacting standards, been a disappointment. Only fourth in the Turkish Superleague, potentially their worst finish since 1995/96, they trail Besiktas JK by 13 points, and second-placed Fenerbahçe by ten, with only two teams to make the Champions League, a competition Galatasaray have already exited in the group stage.

Final boost
However, since being awarded next season's Champions League final earlier this month, they have continued their unbeaten league streak dating from before the league resumed following the winter break. Then on Thursday came back from two goals behind to draw the first leg of their UEFA Cup third-round tie with Villarreal CF 2-2.

Injury worry
There has been a setback, though, with the news that Hakan Sükür - who has scored 12 times against Fenerbahçe, all in games Galatasaray have not lost - has a waist injury and may miss the match. Romanian Florin Bratu would take his place alongside Ümit Karan and Necati Ates. Ayhan Akman and João Batista are likely to start in midfield with Volkan Arslan and Murat Erdogan on the bench alongside Hasan Sas.

'Intimidating atmosphere'
Coach Fatih Terim admitted that, even with the return against Villarreal scheduled for Wednesday's, the derby is top of his mind. "For Galatasaray players Fenerbahçe matches have always had a different meaning," he said. "My players will play with 100 per cent commitment, maybe even exceed this. Although it will be a tough away fixture that is going to be played in an intimidating atmosphere, we be at our best."

Championship chance
With three points to make up on faltering Besiktas, at home to Istanbulspor on Sunday, Fenerbahçe are also desperate for victory - not least as a championship this season would be their 15th, bringing them level with Galatasaray. They are unbeaten in nine league matches, and last week won
5-1 at Gaziantepspor, who went on to beat AS Roma 1-0 on Thursday.

Total concentration
Fenerbahçe coach Christoph Daum has called for total concentration during the game. He told his players about Galatasaray: "Never slow your tempo down, you saw how they made a comeback against Villarreal and grabbed the draw." Midfield player Kemal Aslan is suspended while striker Serhat Akin is out with an ankle injury. On the plus side, Turkish international midfield player Selçuk Sahin is back in the squad after injury.