Football: Istanbul derby showdown in Turkish Cup semis

Fenerbahce, Besiktas to square off Thursday evening in first leg of semifinal match in Vodafone Park

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Fenerbahce and Besiktas are set to square off for the second time in five days, this time in a Ziraat Turkish Cup semifinal first leg matchup.

The Istanbul derby at Besiktas' Vodafone Park will start at 8.30 p.m. local time (GMT1730).

The two rivals recently met in the Turkish Super Lig, when Besiktas got the best of Fenerbahce at home, especially in the second half when Ricardo Quaresma scored two goals.

Besiktas are expected to benefit from its star players Portuguese defender Pepe and Brazilian attacking midfielder Anderson Talisca -- who were absent from weekend's derby match due to injury and yellow card suspension.

Fenerbahce will look to continue its Turkish Cup winning streak, as they currently have 16 matches under their belt, unbeaten in the tournament.

The first match of the semifinals in the cup was played on Tuesday between Akhisarspor and Galatasaray.

Galatasaray defeated Akhisarspor 2-1 in Manisa to grab the advantage going into the second leg.

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