Kasimpasa vs Trabzonspor – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday, Kasimpasa will take on Trabzonspor at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadyumu in the first match of the 2026-27 Turkish Super Lig season, where the visiting team may give Mohamed Salah his competitive debut in Turkish football.

The home side aims to build on their late escape from relegation in the previous season, while the visitors commence their new campaign with serious title aspirations after a commendable third-place finish and a triumph in the Turkish Cup last term.

Match overview

Kasimpasa narrowly avoided relegation last season, sealing their Super Lig status with a tense 1-0 win against eventual champions Galatasaray on the final matchday, finishing just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Emre Belozoglu’s squad has shown promising signs during pre-season, remaining unbeaten in five friendly encounters, notching three victories and two draws.

This form should instill confidence in Kasimpasa as they approach Saturday’s fixture, especially with the advantage of playing at home, as their home performances greatly contributed to their survival last season.

The Istanbul club secured 21 of their 35 points at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadyumu last season, but they will need to enhance their overall home performance to avoid another battle against relegation.

Traditionally, Trabzonspor has had a strong record in this matchup, remaining unbeaten in their last three visits to Kasimpasa, winning twice and drawing once.

The visitors also enter the new season with significantly heightened expectations after finishing third last season and being crowned Turkish Cup champions following a 2-1 victory over Konyaspor in the final.

Paul Onuachu played a central role in that success, finishing as joint-top scorer in the Super Lig with 22 goals, and the Nigerian is fit to play after recovering from an injury sustained during pre-season.

However, all the attention will be on Salah, as the arrival of the former Liverpool forward marks one of the most significant transfers in the history of Turkish football, and Fatih Tekke is expected to give him a starting position straight away as Trabzonspor aims to compete for the title.

Team News

Kasimpasa has only one injury concern, with defender Kamil Corekci continuing his recovery from an Achilles tendon issue. Otherwise, Belozoglu has a fully fit squad at his disposal.

Yusuf Barasi is expected to spearhead the attack, with summer signing Adrian Benedyczak likely to start on the bench as he vies for a place in the starting XI.

Trabzonspor has received a significant boost with Onuachu back in full training, while Salah is available and is anticipated to make his competitive debut.

Aral Simsir might also make his league debut after joining from Midtjylland, while Sidny Lopes Cabral and Noah Saviolo are also pushing for their initial appearances.

However, midfielder Tim Jabol-Folcarelli and defender Arseniy Batagov remain sidelined due to knee injuries.

Kasimpasa probable starting XI:

Gianniotis; Winck, Ilie, Arous, Frimpong; Demirbag, Baldursson; Diabate, Hajradinovic, Ben Ouanes; Barasi

Trabzonspor probable starting XI:

Onana; Pina, Nwaiwu, Savic, Lopes; Salah, Malinoxyi, Bouchouari, Simsir; Onuachu, Muci

Kasimpasa’s unbeaten pre-season and home advantage should render this an engaging opening match, yet Trabzonspor boasts superior quality throughout their roster and has made considerable enhancements over the summer.

Salah’s addition provides the visitors with another elite attacking option alongside Onuachu, and this quality is expected to prove decisive in Istanbul.