Göztepe SK vs Gençlerbirliği – News and Probable Lineups

Goztepe SK and Genclerbirligi are set to maintain their unbeaten beginnings in the 2026-27 Super Lig season as they meet at Gursel Aksel Stadium this Sunday.

Last week, Genclerbirligi delivered perhaps the most unexpected result in European top-flight football by defeating Fenerbahce against the odds.

Match overview

Following a sixth-place finish last season and an unbeaten pre-season, Goztepe is brimming with optimism as they aim for a rare European qualification opportunity.

Their unbeaten run over the summer carried on last weekend, although it was only achieved in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Samsunspor.

Goztepe had come from behind to lead 3-2 before conceding a last-minute equalizer.

New signings Alex Matos and Sinclair Armstrong, who joined from Championship teams Sheffield United and Bristol City, both found the net.

However, Goztepe has been vulnerable defensively, conceding three goals across their last two competitive matches and failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five outings, including friendlies.

On the other side, Genclerbirligi is still reveling in their stunning victory over title contenders Fenerbahce.

Given their shrewd acquisitions, many assumed that Fenerbahce would comfortably secure victory over a team that finished in 14th place last season.

However, goals from Franco Tongya and Ogulcan Ulgun either side of the half-time break handed Genclerbirligi – who returned to the top division in 2025 – one of their most significant wins in recent times.

Head coach Metin Diyadin will be looking for more from forward Sekou Koita, who netted six times in 27 appearances last season, now that he has finalized a permanent £1.4m deal with the club.

Team News

Janderson and Efkan Bekiroglu are both in contention for starting spots after their combination for Goztepe’s third goal against Samsunspor.

Alexis Antunes and Andre Henrique will both be aware that their positions in the lineup are under scrutiny.

Assuming no fitness issues arise, Diyadin is expected to field the same Genclerbirligi XI that triumphed over Fenerbahce.

Moussa Kyabou is the player most likely to enter the team if any changes occur, with Ensar Kemaloglu likely to drop to the bench.

Peter Etebo is also back in contention after sitting out the majority of last season due to an Achilles injury.

Goztepe SK probable starting XI:

Gugehashvili; Altikardes, Godoi, Yildirim; Kurtulan, Matos, Miroshi, Cherni; Antunes; Henrique, Armstrong

Genclerbirligi probable starting XI:

Egribayat; Pereira, Goutas, Zuzek, Dursun; Traore, Diabate, Kemaloglu, Tongya; Ulgun, Koita

Following such an impressive display, there is increased pressure on Genclerbirligi to replicate that performance. Nevertheless, Goztepe is likely to match the confident visitors, leading to a probable high-scoring draw.