Caykur Rizespor vs. Samsunspor – News and Probable Lineups

Caykur Rizespor will host Samsunspor at Caykur Didi Stadium on Thursday for their rearranged round 27 match in the Turkish Super Lig.

This fixture was delayed earlier in the season due to the Red Lightning’s European commitments, and while a win won’t drastically change the visitors’ standing, the hosts have the opportunity to advance two places with a victory, closing the gap to the away team to three points.

Match overview

Rizespor enters this match looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 loss to Fatih Karagumruk last Sunday.

After being behind at halftime, the Black Sea Sparrowhawks equalized in the 70th minute thanks to Ali Sowe’s first goal of 2026, but they could not hold onto the point and conceded again just three minutes from the end of normal time, resulting in their second consecutive league defeat.

This loss followed a narrow 1-0 defeat to Trabzonspor, which ended a three-match winning streak in the league and halted a four-game unbeaten run that had included three victories and one draw.

Currently sitting 12th in the league with 30 points, Recep Ucar’s squad realizes that if they continue to lose, they may find themselves closer to the relegation zone with only a few matches left. Playing at home could bring some hope, especially since both recent defeats occurred away from home.

At Caykur Didi Stadium, they have been more consistent, winning their last two home fixtures and suffering just one defeat in their last five league games there.

While the last encounter between these teams in Rize ended with a 1-0 loss for the hosts, they have since avoided defeat in their last two meetings with Samsunspor, achieving a 3-2 win and a 1-1 draw earlier this season, both matches having taken place in Samsun.

Samsunspor, on the other hand, is enjoying one of the most remarkable periods in the club’s recent history – having qualified for Europe last season, the Red Lightning progressed to the knockout stage of the UEFA Conference League before eventually exiting the tournament.

While a return to continental action now seems unlikely, their current seventh-place standing signifies another solid campaign and keeps them on track for a fourth consecutive season in the top flight.

The visitors arrive in Rize after a 2-2 draw with Konyaspor, which extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to three matches – prior to that draw, they had defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the second leg of their Conference League tie and secured a 2-1 victory in the league against Kayserispor.

However, their away form in the Super Lig has been concerning recently, as they have not managed a victory in their last three league matches on the road, recording two losses and one draw in that span.

Team News

Rizespor will be without defender Husniddin Alikulov, who is out for the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injury sustained earlier in the year.

They will also miss seasoned defender Samet Akaydin, who is suspended because of accumulated yellow cards.

Midfielder Qazim Laci did not make an impact in the last match but aims to contribute more creatively in Thursday’s game, while Sowe seeks to score in consecutive fixtures.

Samsunspor will continue to be without Bedirhan Cetin as he recuperates from a cruciate ligament injury, and Lubomir Satka is ruled out with a broken hand.

Jaures Assoumou is also unavailable due to injury, and Afonso Sousa is still regaining full fitness after an ankle issue.

Additionally, Emre Kilinc will be absent for this match due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards.

Caykur Rizespor probable starting XI:

Fly; Shovel, Blood, Mocsi, Hojer; Antalya; Michaela, Laci, Olaoyin, Augusto; Dervish

Samsunspor probable starting XI:

Whisker; Yavru, Drongelen, Borevkovic, Thomasson; Makoumbou, Kayan; Coulibaly, Holse, Cift; Mouandilmadji

This matchup appears finely poised considering the dynamics surrounding both teams, as Rizespor typically performs better at home, while Samsunspor arrives with momentum yet has struggled away recently.

Despite the visitors possessing a slight quality advantage overall, fatigue from a taxing season could influence the game, suggesting a closely contested match where both teams are capable of scoring.