Rizespor vs Fenerbahce Prediction

Alright lads, let's have a proper look at this Turkish Super Lig clash between Rizespor and the big guns from Istanbul, Fenerbahce. Now, I like a good underdog story as much as anyone, but sometimes the numbers just don't lie, and in this case, they're screaming one thing loud and clear.

First off, let's talk about the league table. Fenerbahce are sitting pretty in 2nd place with 28 points from 12 games, and here's the kicker - they haven't lost a single match all season! That's 8 wins and 4 draws, proper consistent stuff. Rizespor, bless 'em, are down in 10th with 14 points, doing alright but not exactly setting the world alight.

Now here's where it gets interesting. These two sides have met 9 times before, and you want to know Rizespor's record against Fenerbahce? Zero wins, zero draws, NINE losses. That's not just bad luck, that's a proper hoodoo! They've scored just 5 goals while conceding 31. At home, it's even worse - four meetings, four defeats.

Looking at recent form, Rizespor haven't been terrible mind you. They've picked up some decent results lately, including a 2-2 draw with Gazişehir Gaziantep and a cracking 5-2 away win at Antalyaspor. But here's the thing - at home, they're only averaging 0.8 goals per game. That's not going to trouble a top side.

Fenerbahce, on the other hand, are absolutely flying. They've won 7 of their last 10 games, including some big results like that 3-2 win at Besiktas and a 4-0 hammering of Gazişehir Gaziantep away from home. They're averaging 1.9 goals per game and keeping clean sheets in half their matches.

The stats don't make pretty reading for Rizespor fans either. Fenerbahce are taking nearly 17 shots per game compared to Rizespor's 13, and their shot accuracy is nearly 40% compared to Rizespor's 25%. They also dominate possession with 56% compared to 50%.

Look, I know what you're thinking - 'Mr Simple, 1.53 for an away win isn't exactly value!' But when you consider the complete head-to-head domination, Fenerbahce's unbeaten season, and the fact they're just a class above in every department, it starts to look like a pretty sensible punt.

Rizespor might make a game of it, they've got some fight in them, but history and form suggest this is Fenerbahce's to lose. And given they haven't lost to Rizespor in NINE attempts, I'm not expecting that to change anytime soon.

Key Points:

• Fenerbahce have won ALL 9 previous meetings against Rizespor

• Fenerbahce are unbeaten this season (8W-4D-0L) sitting 2nd in the table

• Rizespor struggle to score at home (0.8 goals per game)

• Fenerbahce have superior stats across the board - shots, accuracy, possession

• Recent form heavily favors Fenerbahce with big wins against top opposition

Summary: Sometimes you've got to go with the obvious, and this is one of those times. Fenerbahce's complete dominance in this fixture, combined with their excellent season form, makes the away win the most logical bet here.