Kasımpaşa vs Çaykur Rizespor – News and Probable Lineups

Kasımpasa will be up against Caykur Rizespor on Saturday at the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadium in a crucial match for both teams as they look to ensure their safety in the league during this gameweek 24 Super Lig clash.

Currently positioned 16th in the league, the hosts are entrenched in a relegation battle that threatens to end their 14-year stay in the top flight. Meanwhile, Rizespor enjoys a slight buffer, sitting four points above the relegation zone.

Match overview

Kasımpasa has had a long tenure in Turkey’s top division, but if their form does not improve soon— with just 13 matches remaining—they may face relegation at the season’s conclusion.

Despite this, the situation for Emre Belozoglu’s squad remains precarious; they are just one point away from safety, suggesting that a turnaround in their fortunes could still ensure their continued presence in the league.

However, since Belozoglu took over in early December, his team’s performance has been underwhelming, with only one win and two draws in nine league matches.

A glimmer of hope emerged in round 22 when they narrowly defeated Fatih Karagumruk, marking their first win under Belozoglu, followed by a commendable 1-1 draw against second-placed Fenerbahce.

The team has faced numerous challenges this season, but perhaps their most pressing issue is the inability to capitalize on home advantage.

With only one victory in 11 home matches, the Apache fans are understandably worried, which is not indicative of a side fighting to retain their top-flight status.

This weekend, however, could see a shift in momentum at home, as the atmosphere at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadium is likely to be vibrant with passionate support.

On the other hand, Rizespor improved their survival prospects after a solid 2-0 victory against Kocaelispor at home in gameweek 23.

This win marked their first triumph in eight competitive matches and brought their league total to five this season. Climbing to 11th place in the standings, the Black Sea Sparrowhawks now have some breathing space, being four points clear of the drop zone.

The match on Saturday offers Rizespor an opportunity to distance themselves further from the relegation zone, aiming for consecutive league wins for the first time this season.

Team News

Kasımpasa is entering this match with several players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions, limiting their squad depth.

Morthada Ben Ouanes received a red card in stoppage time against Fenerbahce, which will see him sidelined for this match.

Cafu is also unavailable due to suspension from accumulated yellow cards, and Haris Hajradinovic remains out with a knee issue that has kept him out since August.

In contrast, Rizespor is expected to travel with a nearly full squad, giving head coach Recep Ucar plenty of options for Saturday.

Nonetheless, Khusniddin Alikulov will not be part of the traveling squad, as he has been absent from the last six matches.

Forward Valentin Mihaila has contributed four goals in 12 appearances and is expected to be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Kasımpasa probable starting XI:

Fly; Hojr, Shovel, Shovel, Throw; Laci, Antalyalii, Olaoyin; Michaela, Dervisoglu, Mebude

Caykur Rizespor probable starting XI:

Ganniotis; Corekci, Opoku, Arousi, Frimpong; Baldursson, Cahveci; Buljubasic, Benedyczak, Diabate; Tosun

This match is poised to be closely contested, and given the unpredictability of both teams, it is anticipated to feature limited scoring opportunities. As such, a draw at 1-1 seems probable.