The countdown begins for the Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce derby

Turkish football's most fiercely contested rivalry comes to the fore with the league's marquee fixture on Monday night. Galatasaray, the league leaders, will welcome their traditional rivals Fenerbahce. The home side lifted their spirits with a 4-2 win away to Lille in the Champions League.

Galatasaray have not lost a league match at RAMS Park in 39 games. They have sustained that run with 31 wins and 8 draws. A significant share of the points Galatasaray have collected this season came from goals scored in the closing minutes of matches. Okan Buruk's side scored late winners against Arca Corum and Basaksehir. One more league win would take Buruk's tally in charge of the team to 120.

The home side have a notable absence. Rafael Leao will not be available for the derby because of the groin strain he suffered in the Gencler Birligi match.

Fenerbahce, under Ismail Kartal, are in good form. The team have won their last three league matches and sit top of the league's scoring charts with 22 goals. They have not conceded in their last four league games and scored 14 goals against Eyupspor, Rizespor and Alanyaspor. In Europe, however, they could not hold a two-goal lead against Slavia Prague and drew 2-2.

The visitors also have injury problems. Marco Asensio is out after knee cartilage surgery, and Nathan Ake will be sidelined for three weeks. Mert Muldur and Jayden Oosterwolde are being monitored over their fitness. Vedat Muriqi, who has seven league goals, is expected to lead the attack.

History in recent derbies favours the home side. Fenerbahce have not won against Galatasaray in their last four league meetings. They lost 3-0 at this ground in April. Galatasaray's Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has not lost in four league matches and one cup match against Fenerbahce.