Preview: Gaziantep vs. Trabzonspor - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts currently sit 14th in the table, three points clear of the relegation zone, while the visitors occupy sixth position, three points adrift of the top four.

Match preview

Gaziantep head into this weekend's clash off the back of a 2-1 win over Etimesgut Belediyespor in the Turkish Cup on Thursday.

Last time out in the Super Lig, Marius Sumudica's side lost 4-2 to Kasimpasa, making it two successive league defeats.

GFK, who withdrew from the league last year following the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake, have not had a great start to the current season, winning five and losing nine of their opening 14 league fixtures while being the only side yet to record a draw in the ongoing Super Lig campaign.

Gaziantep will be confident of causing Trabzonspor problems on home soil, having won half of their six home league matches this season; however, they have never beaten the visitors in 11 meetings across all competitions, with the Black Sea Storm claiming seven victories and four draws.

The last encounter between the two sides was back in September 2022, with Trabzonspor scoring late in the game to record a 3-2 victory on home soil.

Trabzonspor were also in action during the week, picking up a 3-1 victory over Corum FK in the Turkish Cup on Wednesday.

The Black Sea Storm have experienced a mixed start to the Super Lig season, with any challenge for the title having seemingly faded away already.

Abdullah Avci's side are winless in their last two league games, following a 1-0 defeat at home to Kayserispor last time out.

Prior to the defeat in their last league match, Trabzonspor were on a five-game unbeaten streak in the Super Lig, including a 3-2 win over Fenerbahce on November 4.

Avci's side have struggled on their travels this season, collecting just eight points from seven matches, and they are likely to face a stern test against Gaziantep in a ground they have failed to win on their last three visits.

Gaziantep Turkish Super Lig form:

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Trabzonspor Turkish Super Lig form:

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Team News

Gaziantep remain without Turkish defender Ulas Zengin, who continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines after coming off with a severe injury in July's friendly against Orenburg.

He is joined on the club's injury list by Ertugrul Ersoy, who is currently recuperating from an ankle injury.

Forward Max Gradel and midfielder Furkan Soyalp are also unavailable for this match after reaching their limits for cautions, thereby serving their respective suspensions.

Former Liverpool man Lazar Markovic is expected to replace Gradel in the starting XI, while Janio Bikel should come in for Soyalp in midfield.

Trabzonspor, on the other hand, will be without Mislav Orsic (ACL), Umut Bozok (knee) and Nicolas Pepe (back), who are all sidelined with injuries.

Taxiarchis Fountas is doubtful and will need to pass a late fitness test to confirm his availability for this weekend.

Batista Mendy is expected back in the midfield after serving his suspension, while Trabzonspor's top scorer Paul Onuachu should lead the line once again.

Gaziantep possible starting lineup:

Nita; Eskihellac, Kizildag, N'Koulou, Djilobodji, Morais; Jevtovic, Bikel, Maxim; Dragus, Markovic

Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:

Cakir; Larsen, Baniya, Denswil, Elmali; Visca, Omur, Mendy, Bakasetas, Trezeguet; Onuachu

We say: Gaziantep 1-2 Trabzonspor

Gaziantep will be desperate to end their winless run against Trabzonspor, but their recent form suggests that they will struggle to overcome a determined Trabzonspor side.

We expect a keenly contested affair, but the away side have the quality to edge it and continue their dominance over the home side.

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