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

The hosts come into this one following a disappointing defeat against Fatih Karagumruk, while the visitors enter the fray off the back of a late victory over Gaziantep.

Match preview

Trabzonspor have enjoyed a decent 2022-23 campaign and sit sixth in the Turkish Super Lig, having accumulated 26 points from 15 matches under manager Abdullah Avci.

Nevertheless, their form has been slightly inconsistent this season, which has left the Black Sea Storm seven points behind league leaders Galatasaray.

Last time out, Trabzonspor were on the end of a heavy 4-1 defeat to Fatih Karagumruk, as goals from Magomed Ozdoyev, Fabio Borini, Matteo Ricci and Jean Kouassi rendered a Marc Bartra equaliser redundant.

Trabzonspor have been on an upward trajectory over the last few months and the Fatih Karagumruk loss was their first defeat in all competitions since October, giving cause for encouragement amongst supporters that Trabzonspor possesses the quality to get back to winning ways swiftly.

Should Trabzonspor secure three points against Giresunspor on Thursday, they could move as high as fourth in the table, depending on other results.

On the other hand, Giresunspor make their way to the Akyazi Stadium in mixed form and will be looking to catapult themselves up the table with a result away to Trabzonspor.

Giresunspor have made great strides since last season, occupying 10th in the Turkish Super Lig standings a third of the way into the campaign.

In their most recent outing, a late winner from Riad Bajic sealed a dramatic 2-1 triumph for Giresunspor at home to Gaziantep as the hosts closed out 2022 on a high.

Despite having a positive time in the last few weeks, their exploits in front of goal leave much to be desired this season. Giresunspor have scored just 16 goals in the league. Only Kasimpasa, Hatayspor and Istanbulspor have converted fewer times in 2022-23.

If they manage to topple Trabzonspor, Giresunspor could leapfrog Alanyaspor into ninth as they have a game in hand over their divisional rivals.

Trabzonspor Turkish Super Lig form:

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Trabzonspor form (all competitions):

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Giresunspor Turkish Super Lig form:

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Giresunspor form (all competitions):

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Team News

Trabzonspor will need to do without Marc Bartra for the visit of Giresunspor due to his straight red card in the defeat to Fatih Karagumruk.

Serkan Asan is unavailable owing to a rupture in his outer meniscus, while Dorukhan Tokoz will not participate as he is a long-term absentee, having ruptured his cruciate ligament.

Marek Hamsik and Jean-Philippe Gbamin could come into central midfield at the expense of Manolis Siopis and Anastasios Bakasetas.

For the visitors, Serginho and Riad Bajic are expected to keep their places in the team due to their goalscoring exploits against Gaziantep.

Sergen Picinciol has missed several matches because of a knock and will not be available to play against Trabzonspor. Borja Sainz is suspended for the tie as he has accumulated too many yellow cards over the course of the season.

Dogan Can Davas is the most likely candidate to step into the middle of the park in his absence.

Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:

Cakir; Turkmen, Denswil, Hugo, Elmali; Gbamin; Visca, Omur, Hamsik, Trezeguet; Gomez

Giresunspor possible starting lineup:

Piri; Bilazer, Arias, Peres, Uludag; Saglam, Mejia; Can Davas, Serginho; Bajic, Kuwas

We say: Trabzonspor 2-1 Giresunspor

In a match with permutations at the top end of the table, we expect a tight affair that will produce plenty of opportunities to capitalise for both sides.

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