Gaziantep vs Istanbul – News and Probable Lineups

Istanbul Basaksehir is set to visit a struggling Gaziantep for the concluding match of the 2025-26 Turkish Super Lig season, aiming for a win that would guarantee them a place in the top five.

The Grey Owls are currently in sixth position in the Turkish top-flight standings, trailing fifth-placed Goztepe by one point. Meanwhile, the Falcons, positioned 12th, have already secured their safety but will strive to improve their ranking further.

Match overview

Basaksehir bolstered their campaign for a top-five finish last match, with goals from Eldor Shomurodov, Yusuf Sari, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev leading to a commanding 3-0 victory over Samsunspor last Saturday.

This result indicates that the Grey Owls have recorded three victories in their last five matches (D1, L1), all of which were won at home, featuring at least three goals. However, their away form has been markedly different in recent weeks.

Nuri Sahin’s squad has been unable to secure a win in their last four away encounters. Three of these matches were against teams in the top three, yielding losses to champions Galatasaray and second-placed Fenerbahce and a draw against Trabzonspor.

Nonetheless, facing a struggling opponent seems more manageable this weekend, especially considering that Basaksehir has triumphed in five of their last six meetings with Gaziantep (L1), including a resounding 5-1 win in the previous fixture this season, although their last visit to Gaziantep saw them suffer a 3-0 defeat.

In a series where the victorious side has scored multiple goals in each of the past six fixtures, Basaksehir will lean on their formidable attack, having scored 56 goals in the league this season, the highest for any club outside the top four.

A victory for the Grey Owls, coupled with a slip-up from Goztepe against Samsunspor, could see Sahin’s team secure fifth place, which might afford them a spot in European competition depending on the outcome of the Turkish Cup final between Trabzonspor and Konyaspor.

On the other hand, Gaziantep has faced difficulties lately, losing five of their last seven matches (W1, D1, L5). Each of the defeats during Mirel Radoi’s tenure, which began in mid-April, has resulted in heavy losses.

A 3-0 loss against Eyüpspor followed by a 2-0 defeat at home to Besiktas was compounded by a 2-1 defeat away at Goztepe last weekend, where an equalizer from Mohamed Bayo only temporarily lifted spirits before the Falcons conceded again in the 80th minute.

This highlights Gaziantep’s struggles in 2026, with merely three wins from 16 league matches (D5, L8) since the year began, emphasizing their defensive issues as they have conceded 56 goals, the second-highest in the Super Lig.

Additionally, the Falcons have had mixed outcomes at home, accumulating five wins, five draws, and six losses in league play this term, with just one victory in their last five top-flight matches at Gaziantep Stadium (D2, L2).

Team News

Basaksehir forward Bertug Yildirim had to exit due to injury in the first half last time out, leaving him uncertain for Saturday’s match. Should he be unfit to play, Davie Selke, who took his place in that match, may lead the line.

Shomurodov reached 21 league goals after scoring from the penalty spot last weekend, just one behind Trabzonspor’s Paul Onuachu in the race for the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot.

For Gaziantep, Ali Mevran Ablak and Salem M’Bakata remain out due to long-term knee injuries, while Badou Ndiaye continues his recovery toward full fitness.

Furthermore, Yusuf Kabadayi may miss out for a fifth consecutive match, while Nihad Mujakic is also a significant doubt after missing the last game due to injury.

Gaziantep probable starting XI:

gorge; Sangare, Abena, Kizildag, Rodrigues; Gidado, Camara; Sorescu, Maxim, Kozlowski; bayou

Istanbul Basaksehir probable starting XI:

Sengezer; Sahiner, Duarte, Opoku, Karatas; Kemen, Gunes; Sari, Shomurodov, Harit; Yıldırım

Although Basaksehir has had a tough time away in recent matches, taking on a floundering Gaziantep side presents a prime opportunity for the visitors to claim full points.

There is also an extra incentive for the Grey Owls in this contest, as Sahin’s squad aims to bolster their chances of finishing in the top five.