Trabzonsporvs.Gaziantep

Both teams are level on 29 points, with the hosts edging ahead in the table due to their superior goal difference over the visitors.

Match preview

Trabzonspor's six-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end last Saturday with a 2-1 defeat away at Besiktas in the Super Lig.

The Black Sea Storm remain ninth in the table, 11 points behind fourth-placed Eyupspor, having played one game fewer, and they will be eager to bounce back quickly as they continue their push for European football next season.

Their biggest issue this season has been their poor away form, collecting just five points from a possible 33 on the road—the joint-second worst record in the league - however, their performances at home have been a different story.

Senol Gunes's men have been formidable at Papara Park, winning their last five home matches in all competitions and six of the last seven, while they are also unbeaten in six consecutive league games at this venue.

History is firmly on their side too, as Trabzonspor have never lost to Gaziantep in 14 meetings, winning nine and drawing five - six of those victories have come on home soil.

Gaziantep, meanwhile, will be desperate to end a 10-match winless streak away from home, nine of which have been in the Super Lig, and their away struggles have left them with the same number of points on the road as Trabzonspor.

GFK's position in the table owes much to their home form, where they have collected the joint-fourth highest points tally—matching Trabzonspor in that regard.

Selcuk Inan's side made their home advantage count again last time out, ending a three-match winless run in the league with a 2-1 victory over Sivasspor.

Having held Trabzonspor to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture, Gaziantep will be hoping for a similar outcome, though they face a daunting challenge against a side in rampant home form.

Trabzonspor Turkish Super Lig form:

L

W

W

D

W

L

Gaziantep Turkish Super Lig form:

D

W

D

L

L

W

Gaziantep form (all competitions):

Gaziantep form (all competitions):

Team News

Trabzonspor have just one confirmed injury absentee, with Denis Dragus sidelined due to a thigh problem, while Onuralp Cevikkan remains a doubt.

Eren Elmali has departed for Galatasaray, paving the way for Mustafa Eskihallac to take over at left-back for the rest of the season - however, the hosts have strengthened with the arrivals of Oleksandr Zubkov and Danylo Sikan.

Gaziantep remain without Godfrey Bitok, who is sidelined with a serious knee injury, while Enric Saborit and Cyril Mandouki also miss out due to fitness concerns.

On a positive note, Salem M'Bakata is fully fit again and could push for a place in the starting XI, which may be the only change Inan makes from last week's victory.

Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:

Cakir; Malheiro, Savic, Batagov, Eskihellac; Cham, Mendy, Tufam; Zubkov, Banza, Sikan

Gaziantep possible starting lineup:

Bozan; M'Bakata, Viana, Kizildag, Husic; Maxim, Kozlowski, Ndiaye; Boateng, Sorescu, Lungoyi

We say: Trabzonspor 2-0 Gaziantep

Written by

Joshua Cole

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