This season's Turkish title race is a rare phenomenon with four teams still in contention entering the final straight. With seven rounds of matches remaining, just two points separate the cluster of clubs chasing the Süper Lig crown. Fenerbahçe SK lead from Galatasaray AS, with both on 60 points, while Sivasspor and fourth-placed Beşiktaş JK each have 58 points.

So, in that context, opportunity knocks at the Inönü Stadium on Saturday when Fenerbahçe visit Beşiktaş – with Galatasaray and Sivasspor playing on Sunday, the hosts can jump three places into pole position with a win. Something will have to give for sure, because Beşiktaş are unbeaten on home soil in seven league games and Fenerbahçe boast a similar record on the road.

Although Zico's title-holders make the trip across Istanbul without suspended striker Deivid, they can still count on Brazil playmaker Alex feeding forwards Semih Şentürk and Mateja Kežman. That trio could prove to be Beşiktaş's derby demons. Alex has ten Süper Lig goals and as many assists. Semih, the division's 14-goal top scorer, inspired a 4-1 comeback victory against Konyaspor recently with two strikes in successive minutes during a 15-minute substitute cameo. Kežman has also delivered of late, with nine league goals in 2008. Kazım Kazım could replace Deivid.