Göztepe SK vs Eyüpspor – News and Probable Lineups

Goztepe SK is eager to respond promptly in the Turkish Super Lig as they take on relegation-threatened Eyupspor at Gursel Aksel Stadyumu on Saturday evening.

Goz Goz faced a disappointing defeat last time out, losing 4-0 away to Besiktas, which caused them to drop from the top four standings.

Match overview

Goztepe was thoroughly outclassed by Besiktas, conceding two goals in each half, marking only their fourth league loss of the season in a surprisingly weak defensive performance.

This was the first time this season their typically strong defense faltered so dramatically, as previously, Stanimir Stoilov’s team had relied on defensive stability, achieving a league-high of 13 clean sheets while allowing just 12 goals.

Even after conceding four in Istanbul, they still maintain the best defensive record in the league with only 16 goals against, slightly better than the league leaders Galatasaray, who have conceded 17.

However, a bigger concern arises from their attacking end, as Goztepe has not scored in three consecutive league games despite creating 28 chances in those matches, revealing a blunt attacking front.

Juan Santos is their top scorer with six league goals but has struggled to find the net since November and has only provided one assist during that time, highlighting the team’s offensive difficulties.

On the other hand, Eyupspor, despite being in a relegation struggle, might see this as a chance to capitalize on Goztepe’s weaknesses, having proven to be challenging opponents for them in the league.

Eyupspor remains unbeaten in their three previous Super Lig matches against Goztepe, with one victory and two draws, including a goalless tie in their earlier meeting this season.

Goals have also been hard to come by for the Purple and Yellows, with only Kayserispor (18) registering fewer goals in the Super Lig this season, having scored just 19 themselves. This points towards a potentially tight, low-scoring matchup.

Since taking over from Orhan Ak in January, Atila Gerin has overseen two wins from eight matches across all competitions—one of those victories occurred in their last league match, a narrow 1-0 triumph against Genclerbirligi, which moved them within one point and one place of safety.

Team News

Goztepe will be missing defender Ismail Koybasi due to an undefined injury, while Efkan Bekiroglu is regarded as doubtful.

The recent signings of the club have yet to ignite the attacking flair needed, despite the addition of two forwards and three midfielders.

Guilherme Luiz, Jeh, Alexis Antunes, and Musah Mohammed were brought in off the bench against Besiktas but failed to change the outcome, while Filip Krastev started but struggled to make a significant impact.

For Eyupspor, Ukrainian midfielder Taras Stepanenko is anticipated to be sidelined as he continues to recover from his injury.

Nonetheless, a positive note from their last outing is that Luccas Claro has returned to the matchday squad after a prolonged absence and could potentially participate in this fixture.

Goztepe SK probable starting XI:

Lis; Allan Godoi, Heliton, Bokele; Cherni, Miroshi, Dennis, Bayrak; Krastev; Janderson, Juan Santos

Eyupspor probable starting XI:

Yilmaz; Ulvan, Gezek, Onguene, Meras; Akbaba, Taskin, Legowski; Torres, Liar, Painter

Despite the setback last week, Goztepe remains one of the most defensively solid teams in the Turkish Super Lig, and they should welcome the opportunity to play at Gursel Aksel Stadyumu again.

Eyupspor is competitive but struggles to score, which may limit their threat, leading us to expect a composed response from the hosts in what could be a cautious encounter.