Gaziantep vs Caykur Rizespor – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday, Gaziantep will welcome Caykur Rizespor at Gaziantep Stadyumu for the third match of the 2026-27 Turkish Super Lig season, as the home side aims to preserve their unbeaten run in the league.

Mirel Radoi’s squad secured their first win of the season against Eyupspor last weekend, while the visitors experienced a 2-0 loss at home to Samsunspor after starting the season with a victory against Konyaspor.

Match overview

Gaziantep kicked off the season with a 1-1 draw against Alanyaspor, followed by a more controlled performance that led to a 1-0 win over Eyupspor in their second match away from home.

Deian Sorescu netted the crucial goal shortly after the 60-minute mark, capping off a move that ultimately awarded Radoi’s team their first three points of the season, and the victory was even more commendable given the circumstances in the closing stages of the match.

Juninho Bacuna received a red card in the 64th minute, compelling the Falcons to defend their slim lead with just ten players for over 25 minutes. Despite increased pressure from Eyupspor toward the end, Gaziantep managed to hold onto their lead and achieved a clean sheet.

A primary focus for the Falcons this season is enhancing their defensive record, as they conceded 58 goals over 34 Super Lig matches last season, the second-highest in the league. However, they have displayed some positive signs in their first two matches this season.

Last season, Gaziantep clashed with Rizespor three times—twice in the league and once in the Turkish Cup—allowing nine goals across these fixtures, resulting in two defeats (one from each competition) and one draw.

Nevertheless, their recent home performances against Rizespor contribute to a sense of optimism leading into Saturday’s encounter, as the home side remains unbeaten in their last four home fixtures against Rizespor, registering three wins and one draw.

On the other hand, Rizespor has garnered three points from their opening two fixtures after edging out Konyaspor 1-0 but faced a 2-0 defeat against Samsunspor.

A stoppage-time penalty by Qazim Laci secured the win in Konya on matchday one, although there were signs that the Hawks struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, requiring a late penalty despite having five shots on target and creating two significant chances.

This issue came back to haunt Recep Ucar’s team against Samsunspor, where they lost without finding the back of the net, despite holding 60% possession, taking 28 shots and directing eight efforts on target, with their 1.85 xG surpassing the visitors’ 0.33.

With their finishing not matching their chance creation levels, this is likely to be a significant worry for Ucar as they visit Gaziantep, particularly against a home team that has shown readiness to defend compactly and launch attacks via transitions.

Team News

Gaziantep will miss Bacuna due to his suspension following the red card received against Eyupspor, but Radoi is otherwise expected to maintain the majority of the squad during preparations, and local reports suggest he does not plan major alterations to the lineup apart from replacing Bacuna.

Sorescu is likely to keep his place after netting the winner in Istanbul, thus bringing his tally to two goals in the opening two league matches, while Drissa Camara and Kacper Kozlowski are also predicted to remain in the attacking midfield slots, with Trivante Stewart expected to spearhead the attack.

Conversely, Rizespor is dealing with a more significant defensive absence, with Khusniddin Alikulov still undergoing recovery from a cruciate ligament injury and not anticipated to return until October.

Valentin Mihaila has also been training separately from the main group while he continues his rehabilitation, although the club has not indicated that the Romanian faces a prolonged absence.

Ucar is set to keep most of the team that featured against Samsunspor, with Laci continuing in midfield due to his goal in Konya, while Ahmed Kutucu and Adedire Mebude are likely to support Sowe in attacking positions.

Gaziantep probable starting XI:

Tobiasz; Perez, Meleke, Abena; Sorescu, Maxim, Gidado, Stefan; Kozlowski, Camara; Stewart

Caykur Rizespor probable starting XI:

Fly; Shovel, Mocsi, Blood, Ariss; Antalyali, Olaoyin; Beds, Drawers, Leather; Sowe

It is anticipated that Rizespor will generate opportunities once more, but Gaziantep is expected to be better positioned to exploit the spaces left by an offensively-minded opponent. Given that both teams exhibit defensive frailties, another thrilling encounter seems probable; however, Bacuna’s absence may hinder Radoi’s team from gaining complete control, making a draw the most plausible outcome.