Game of the Week: Title favorites Fenerbahce and Praha ready to clash

ISTANBUL (Turkey) - EuroLeague Women resumes after the recent international window with a real Game of the Week blockbuster as tournament frontrunners Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding entertain ZVVZ USK Praha.

Fenerbahce recently welcomed back frontcourt star Emma Meesseman from injury, while Praha have strengthened with the signing of Great Britain standout Temi Fagbenle, who will team up with EuroLeague Women MVP for November, Alyssa Thomas. 

You can watch the live broadcast of the game between Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding and ZVVZ USK Praha on the EuroLeague Women YouTube channel on Wednesday, December 7 at 17:00 CET.

Form guide: Fenerbahce are in an unfamiliar 5th place in Group A after an inconsistent start which saw them lose their first two games. However, they are now looking to secure a third victory in a row as they begin making moves. Indeed a win would see them pull level with Praha on a 3-2 record. Domestically, Marina Maljkovic and her team sit in second place in the KBSL on 7-2.

ZVVZ USK Praha meanwhile were the early pacesetters and won their first three games before a surprise home defeat to BC Polkowice last time out. They sit in top spot in Group A and have also been typically dominant and unbeaten in the Czech league. 

Last meeting: Fenerbahce beat Praha 83-74 the last time both clubs met and that was also in Istanbul earlier this year at the Final Four stage in the Semi-Finals. Alina Iagupova with 24 points and Teja Oblak with 22 points were the highest scorers for their respective teams. Praha have lost their last three games against their Turkish opponents. 

The return to action of Emma Meesseman on Gameday 4 was huge for Fenerbahce as they won at Virtus

Key matchup: There is the potential to see Praha's new signing Temi Fagbenle go up against Emma Meesseman in the paint. Both ballers were cited as MVPs for Belgium and Great Britain in the recent FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers window after posting some exceptional displays. They are capable of putting up huge performances and if Fagbenle doesn't take Meesseman, then it may be the quick-footed Alyssa Thomas who has been on fire all season long and deservedly got given that November MVP accolade.

X-factor: The one vast difference between these teams is that Praha rely heavily on their starting five. So much so, they get just over 3 points per game off the bench which is astonishing. That is in stark contrast to the deeper Fenerbahce bench which provides almost 20 points per game. Can the Praha starters deliver, or will they get worn down by the rotations of the home team?