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<p>From Türkiye to Brazil</p>
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<img alt="Five games to watch this weekend: Istanbul Derby, Paris Derby & more"
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<p>Football is always buzzing, and as we move past the Holiday Season, it's time to return to our spotlight on five key matches to follow. This weekend brings a thrilling lineup across two continents, featuring significant derbies in Istanbul and Paris, a confrontation for the title in Italy, an intriguing clash in Türkiye, and FA Cup matches in England. Prepare for a weekend packed with captivating football action, as our global experts at Transfermarkt guide you through five must-watch games.</p>
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<p>Planning to attend one of the matches live? If so, register as a user today and utilize our Groundhopping Tool to document your matchday adventures and discover some fascinating statistics!</p>
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<h2><strong>Istanbul Derby: Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahçe<br></strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Sinan Yener (Transfermarkt Content Manager Türkiye):<br></strong></p>
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<p>This Saturday, the Turkish Super Cup will feature a fierce showdown between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, accommodating 77,563 fans. Both clubs expect around 35,000 supporters each. Due to the Africa Cup of Nations, key players like Victor Osimhen and Youssef En-Nesyri will be absent, leaving Mauro Icardi and Jhon Durán to take the field instead. Galatasaray's squad is valued at roughly €287m, while Fenerbahçe's comes in at around €275m, making for a combined worth of nearly €600m.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€287.35m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€270.50m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€148.27m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€92.00m</p>
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<p>Okan Buruk</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Domenico Tedesco</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>This derby features numerous former Premier League players, adding to its allure. Galatasaray boasts in-form Germany national team player Leroy Sané, alongside Icardi, Barış Alper Yılmaz, and Yunus Akgün in attack. Midfielders include ex-Premier League talents like İlkay Gündoğan, Mario Lemina, and Lucas Torreira, while Davinson Sánchez anchors the defense. Fenerbahçe counters with notable Premier League alumni, including striker Durán, Marco Asensio, Edson Álvarez, and goalkeeper Ederson. The atmosphere in Turkey will be electric as everyone tunes in for the Super Cup, crucial for this season's morale.</p>
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<p>Galatasaray aims to add another trophy to their collection, having won the Turkish league three years running and the Turkish Cup. Fenerbahçe, however, has not claimed the league or the Super Cup in nearly a decade, with their last title being the Turkish Cup in 2022. Under Domenico Tedesco, they will strive to bring silverware back to their fans. Galatasaray's January schedule is also intense, with a Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid and a final group match away against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe prepares to battle Aston Villa in the Europa League. Thus, the Super Cup serves as a vital test before these high-stakes European matches.</p>
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<h2><strong>Paris Derby: PSG vs. Paris FC<br></strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Ronan Caroff (Transfermarkt Area Manager France): </strong></p>
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<p>Before this season, Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC had faced each other twice in derbies. Now, they will meet twice in just eight days. PSG hosted PFC last Sunday to wrap up the first half of the Ligue 1 season, winning 2-1 despite Paris FC being backed by the Arnault family and Red Bull Group.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€1.19bn</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€91.25m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€103.00m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€57.30m</p>
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<p>Luis Enrique</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Stéphane Gilli</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>While the scenario hasn't shifted much since last Sunday, PSG may employ squad rotation for the Coupe de France match. Several players will be absent due to the AFCON, and PSG also recently competed in the Trophée des Champions against Olympique Marseille in Kuwait on Thursday.</p>
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<p>This additional travel might leave PSG a bit more fatigued, potentially granting Paris FC an opportunity to upset their rivals, as they have yet to reach the final rounds since their lone semi-final appearance in 1980.</p>
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<p>It’s an opportune moment for Paris FC to seize the advantage over their city neighbors. With PSG recovering from a challenging game in Kuwait and facing crucial Champions League matches ahead, this cup clash might allow for rest among key players. Look out for Willem Geubbels representing Paris FC, while younger talents like Senny Mayulu could shine for PSG amidst the rotation.</p>
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<h2><strong>Scudetto Clash: Inter Milan vs. Napoli<br></strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Stefano Buonfino (Transfermarkt Area Manager Italy):</strong></p>
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<p>A rivalry is intensifying: for the second consecutive year, Inter and Napoli are vying for the Scudetto, and this match could prove crucial in determining the weekend leader.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€670.30m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€466.80m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€93.10m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€115.10m</p>
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<p>Cristian Chivu</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Antonio Conte</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Inter looks to retaliate for their defeat at the Maradona Stadium. Compared to the first leg, they will feature a revamped defense, with Manuel Akanji stepping into the center. Lautaro Martínez is in great form, and Marcus Thuram's return may also give them an edge.</p>
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<p>Napoli, on the other hand, has hit a rhythm, with Rasmus Højlund stepping up as a potential star following the departure of Victor Osimhen and the injury of Romelu Lukaku. This high-stakes encounter promises to be thrilling, and it will require nerves of steel from both squads.</p>
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<p>Inter-Napoli is already shaping up to be a fiery contest, which will demand composure—something the Nerazzurri struggled with in their previous meeting this season, leading to a loss to an opportunistic Napoli squad. Fans hope for a game full of excitement rather than tactical stasis, but with the standings tight and AC Milan lurking, caution could be the order of the day.</p>
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<h2><strong>Campeonato Paulista: Mirassol vs. São Paulo<br></strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Marcos Watts (Area Manager Brazil):</strong></p>
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<p>As the 2026 season kicks off in Brazil, Mirassol and São Paulo face off in the opening round of the Campeonato Paulista, a clash steeped in contrasting fortunes.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€24.95m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€79.45m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€1.73m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€4.00m</p>
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<p>Rafael Guanaes</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Hernán Crespo</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Fresh from what many called a miraculous 2025 season, Mirassol enters 2026 riding high after a stunning 4th-place finish in the Brasileirão, shifting expectations dramatically. However, they now face the challenge of adapting to their "new normal": balancing a demanding schedule while managing one of the least valuable squads in Série A, having lost eight players and brought in seven newcomers to maintain their competitive stance.</p>
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<p>On the flip side, São Paulo begins 2026 under substantial institutional strain. Failing to compete for titles in 2025 and missing out on the 2026 Copa Libertadores has compounded existing financial woes and a political crisis involving club president Julio Casares, creating uncertainty around the club's direction and short-term goals.</p>
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<p>This opening match holds more significance than merely three points. For Mirassol, it serves as a chance to demonstrate that last season's success was not a fluke but the foundation of their future endeavors. For São Paulo, it represents an opportunity to find stability amidst turmoil and begin restoring their reputation both on and off the field.</p>
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<h2><strong>FA Cup: Exeter City vs. Man City<br></strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Ben Littlemore (Transfermarkt Content Manager England):</strong></p>
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<p>At League One club Exeter City, the supporters’ trust is the majority shareholder, but they find themselves in a difficult position this season. After two rounds of layoffs and needing £600,000 in loans from the supporters’ trust to stabilize finances, their home ground also suffered about £100,000 in fire damage last November.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>League One</p>
<p>Premier League</p>
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<p>€7.20m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€1.21bn</p>
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<p>Third Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€206.80m</p>
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<p>Gary Caldwell</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Pep Guardiola</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Exeter was hoping for a big draw in the FA Cup, as funding from a match against a club like seven-time FA Cup champions Man City could be vital. Exeter will take a sold-out crowd of 8,000 fans to the Etihad Stadium, where gate receipts are shared—each club retains 45%, with 10% going to the FA. It's estimated that sales could net Exeter between £250,000 and £400,000.</p>
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<p>Exeter’s supporters’ trust recently issued a statement requesting Manchester City to consider voluntarily transferring a portion of their gate receipts to Exeter due to the current financial struggles. However, City declined the request, adding further motivation for Exeter to pull off an upset against Pep Guardiola's powerful team, standing for fan ownership in the process.</p>
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