Gençlerbirliği vs Çaykur Rizespor – News and Probable Lineups

Genclerbirligi is set to take on Caykur Rizespor at Eryaman Stadium as part of the 22nd round fixtures of the Turkish Super Lig.

The home side currently finds itself in 11th place with 22 points, while the visitors are 12th with 20 points amassed after 21 matches in the league.

Match overview

After finishing second for promotion to the Turkish top division, the hosts struggled initially, suffering five straight losses at the start of the season.

Between September and October, they did achieve a brief spell of unbeaten results (W2, D2) to stabilize their form, but this did not last long as they subsequently lost four (W1) of their next five league games.

The inconsistency has seen the Red and Black manage just six wins across 21 league games, along with four draws and 11 defeats.

After extending their unbeaten run in the 2025-26 Turkiye Kupası (W2, D1), Genclerbirligi returned to league action facing a formidable Fenerbahce last weekend but fell short, losing 3-1 for the second time against them this season.

This result marked their 11th defeat of the ongoing campaign, leaving them only six points above the relegation zone.

With the current standings in mind, the primary goal for Metin Diyadin and his team will be to prevent relegation back to the second tier.

On the other hand, Rizespor faced a heavy 3-0 defeat against league leaders Galatasaray, adding to their current struggles.

That match extended the visitors’ winless streak for 2025, with four league matches yielding only two draws and two losses.

The Black Sea Sparrowhawks are aiming to secure their first win since their 3-0 victory over Eyupspor back in December, hoping to end a five-match winless run in the top division.

Throughout the season, Recep Ucar’s squad has faced major challenges, managing only four wins from 21 fixtures, with just one recent victory in their last 10 matches (D8, L9), underscoring their struggles.

Sitting in 12th place, just four points clear of the relegation places, they are eager to create some distance from the danger zone.

However, their six consecutive away fixtures without a victory do little to inspire confidence, but they will take hope from their earlier 1-0 win in September.

Team News

Nigerian midfielder Peter Etebo has been unable to participate in much of the season due to a persistent muscle injury and hasn’t played since August 2025.

Similarly, Moussa Kyabou has also been absent since August 2025 due to a knee injury and will miss the visit from Rizespor.

Abdullah Sahindere and Emirhan Unal are both dealing with knee injuries, making this match too soon for their return, while Pedro Pereira remains suspended due to disciplinary issues.

In contrast, the visiting team has a healthier roster, with only Khusniddin Alikulov confirmed missing for them.

Angolan Loide Augusto’s availability is in question, but Ucar has all regulars ready for selection.

Although he has scored just three goals this season, Ali Sowe is expected to lead the attack again barring any late injuries.

Genclerbirligi probable starting XI:

Old; Pereira, Goutas, Zozek, Thalisson; Ulgun, Dele-Bashiru; Gurpuz, Tongya, Mimaroglu; Koita

Caykur Rizespor probable starting XI:

Fly; Hojer, Akaydin, Mocci, Sahin; Shovel, Antalya; Michaela, Laci, Olave; Sowe

These teams are closely matched in terms of performance and results. As both sides strive to secure a positive outcome to steer clear of the relegation zone, this match could see limited chances, and a draw at 1-1 seems likely.