Five Critical Questions Await Mourinho at Fenerbahce
Ahead of the Trabzonspor match, Fenerbahce’s Portuguese coach faces tough decisions. With questions about the starting eleven and game strategy against the Black Sea team, Jose Mourinho’s choices in attack, midfield, and wings are under intense scrutiny. Fenerbahce, aiming to avoid any setbacks as Galatasaray has a bye week, seeks to close the point gap. Here are the lineup scenarios for forward, defense, and midfield:
1- SINGLE FORWARD LIKELY, BUT WHO?
Mourinho tried a double forward setup with Edin Dzeko and En-Nesyri against Bodrum FK, but he is likely to revert to a single forward for Trabzonspor. En-Nesyri, who has scored in the last two matches, seems the favorite.
2- MIDFIELD WITH OR WITHOUT FRED?
Fred, who was suspended against Bodrum, is expected to return to the starting eleven, but the final call rests with Mourinho. Polish midfielder Sebastian Szymanski, who was benched against Bodrum, is also anticipated to start.
3- CAN AMRABAT AND ISMAIL PLAY TOGETHER?
One remaining uncertainty is whether Sofyan Amrabat and Ismail Yuksek will pair up in midfield. If they do, either Fred or Sebastian Szymanski will have to start on the bench.
4- FILIP KOSTIC AT LEFT-BACK OR FORWARD?
In recent tactical sessions, Osayi Samuel appeared at right-back, while Kostic, who played left-back against Bodrum, has an uncertain role. He could return to left-back in place of Oosterwolde, or Mert Muldur could take the role with Kostic playing in front of him.
5- WHO WILL PLAY ON THE WINGS?
In the last match, Mourinho started with Irfan Can on the right and Saint Maximin on the left. The Portuguese coach now faces choices between Tadic-Irfan Can and St. Maximin-Kostic, a decision that could shape the outcome of this crucial encounter.