Çorum Belediyespor vs Kasımpaşa – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday, Çorum Belediyespor is set to welcome Kasimpasa to Corum Sehir Stadyumu as both teams seek to build on their positive draws from the opening weekend of the Turkish Super Lig season.

This encounter will occur without spectators due to sanctions imposed on Corum by the Turkish Football Federation’s disciplinary board, although a portion of the stadium will be accessible for away fans traveling from Kasimpasa.

Match overview

In their Super Lig debut, Corum delivered a commendable performance, managing to secure a 2-2 draw against reigning champions Galatasaray at Rams Park, narrowly missing out on what could have been a historic win as Victor Osimhen struck an equalizer in the 90th minute.

This result is particularly noteworthy given that the Red Lightnings had to finish the last 20 minutes with just 10 players. Ugur Ucar’s team will be looking to replicate that bold, aggressive showing to secure their first league victory when they host their inaugural Super Lig match at Corum Sehir Stadyumu on Saturday.

However, their preparations have been somewhat hindered by a few injury concerns. Centre-back Hrvoje Smolcic is a doubt after sustaining a knock in the match against Galatasaray, while Alexandros Kyziridis, who was the scorer of Corum’s inaugural Super Lig goal, will be unavailable due to suspension following his red card.

With a point already gained from their draw against the defending champions, the home side can approach Saturday’s match with a boost of confidence. If they can maintain their high intensity despite the lack of support from home fans, they may stand a realistic chance to make a significant impact in their first top-flight campaign.

On the other hand, their historical record against Kasimpasa does not provide much optimism; their last encounter occurred in a Turkish Cup match in 2019, where Corum faced a 1-0 defeat on their home turf.

Kasimpasa also started their campaign with a solid result, securing a 1-1 draw at home against Trabzonspor after Adrian Benedyczak netted a second-half penalty to equalize following Noah Saviolo’s opening goal.

Emre Belozoglu’s team exhibited the defensive discipline and determination that aided them in avoiding relegation on the final day of the previous season, making the trip to Corum with the belief that they can build upon that effort with another favorable outcome.

However, their away record from last season raises some concerns, as Kasimpasa won only three of their 17 away fixtures, with five draws and nine losses, highlighting the need for improvement. If they wish to contend for a top-half finish, they will need to enhance that statistic.

Against newly promoted teams last season, the Apaches had a reasonably competitive record, managing two victories, three draws, and one defeat. Their away results against promoted sides were evenly matched, capturing one win, one draw, and one loss.

Team News

Corum is currently monitoring the fitness of Smolcic due to the injury sustained against Galatasaray and will definitely be without the suspended Kyziridis.

Mohammed Diomande is anticipated to step in for Kyziridis, and Jesus Ramirez is expected to maintain his spot after delivering an impressive goal in the draw against Galatasaray, demonstrating that the hosts possess enough attacking prowess to challenge established Super Lig teams.

Kasimpasa will be missing Kamil Corekci for their journey to Corum, and Belozoglu might opt to reinstate Haris Hajradinovic to the starting XI, potentially moving Fousseni Diabate to the bench.

Benedyczak is likely to lead the line once again after finding the net against Trabzonspor, with Guven Yalcin and Mortadha Ben Ouanes providing flank support.

Çorum Belediyespor probable starting XI:

Felipe; Sazdagi, Penetra, Sengul, Borza; Fredy; Gurler, Carlsback, Diomande, Ramirez; Skilled

Kasimpasa probable starting XI:

Gianniotis; Winck, Ilie, Arous, Jessen; Mendes, Baldursson; Diabate, Hajradinovic, Ben Ouanes; Benedyczak

The opening weekend showcased the potential of both sides, setting the stage for a closely contested match. Corum’s commendable showing against Galatasaray indicates they possess the attacking depth to trouble Kasimpasa; however, with Kyziridis absent and no home crowd to boost them, their advantages could be mitigated.

Fans can expect an engaging encounter with opportunities at both ends, though it seems likely that both teams will settle for a share of the spoils.