Ismail Kartal’s Plan for Union Saint-Gilloise!
In the midst of a busy fixture schedule, Fenerbahçe is expected to undergo rotation under the management of Ismail Kartal on Thursday. Changes in both the defensive line and midfield are likely during the away match against St.Gilloise in the UEFA Europa Conference League. A definite alteration in the forward position is also anticipated.
Following their victory against Hatay in the league, Fenerbahçe, maintaining an unbeaten streak, now turns its focus to the Union Saint-Gilloise clash.
The lineup choices for the Yellow-Navies are eagerly awaited in the first leg of the Conference League Round of 16, especially considering the possibility of Ismail Kartal opting for rotation due to the demanding schedule.
Fenerbahçe entered a period of one match every three days since the Kasımpaşa match on February 24th. Therefore, it is expected that Ismail Kartal will rotate the squad in the UEFA Europa Conference League, introducing some stars playing together for the first time.
Ismail Kartal is eyeing Ryan Kent
The English player was fielded as a savior during the Alanya match when the score was 2-2 after a hiatus of 12 weeks. Subsequently, Kent’s name was removed from the squad reported to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). However, the 27-year-old player is listed in the UEFA squad. Ryan Kent can only play in Conference League matches.
The English footballer could be included in the squad for the St.Gilloise match on Thursday. Kent, who has been on the field in the starting lineup for 5 out of 6 matches in the group stage, is hoping for a chance from Ismail Kartal in the Belgian encounter.
Becaо – Djiku may play for the first time in months
The defensive line is a matter of curiosity in the St.Gilloise away match. Djiku, who couldn’t play against Hatay in the league due to suspension, is expected to return to the starting eleven. If Çağlar is rested, we might witness the ideal defensive duo Djiku-Becao, which we haven’t seen together since October 29th.
Fred may be kept for the Pendikspor match
Ismail Yüksek won’t be able to play against Pendikspor in the league due to a yellow card suspension. Therefore, there is a high possibility of him being in the starting eleven again on Thursday. The situation of Fred, who returned to the field in the 66th minute against Hatay, is a subject of curiosity. The Brazilian player might come off the bench in the St.Gilloise match and be kept for the Pendikspor match over the weekend. If Kartal chooses this route, Rade Krunic could return to the starting lineup.
Possibility of Mert Hakan
And the attacking front… With Irfaan Can Kahveci and Joshua King injured, and Serdar Dursun not listed in the UEFA squad, Ismail Kartal doesn’t have many options in this area. However, Michy Batshuayi, who has consistently been in the starting eleven in the Conference League group matches, is expected to don the jersey again in the Thursday match in his home country. The 37-year-old Dzeko might start on the bench, providing an opportunity for rest in a way. Another change Kartal could make in the forward position is playing Mert Hakan instead of Cengiz.
