Göztepe SK vs Kayserispor – News and Probable Lineups

Goztepe SK aims to preserve their unbeaten streak as they host relegation-threatened Kayserispor at Gursel Aksel Stadium for a match in week 22 of the Turkish Super Lig.

The Goz Goz will look to bounce back from their disappointing goalless draw against Konyaspor while striving to secure a spot in the top four of the league, with the visitors fighting to avoid the drop.

Match overview

In recent weeks, Goztepe has shown improvement in their results, and it’s no surprise they are now seen as a strong contender for European football next season.

Even after the scoreless draw against Konyaspor last week, Goztepe still holds on to their fourth position in the standings, having extended their unbeaten streak to six matches (W4, D2).

This leaves them with 11 victories, seven draws, and three losses, with 13 fixtures left to play, although some supporters remain cautiously optimistic about a top-four finish, recalling last season’s events.

After 20 league matches, the home team had also been fourth, but they couldn’t maintain their form and ended the 2024–25 season in eighth place.

Currently, they sit three points ahead of fifth-placed Besiktas, meaning Stanimir Stoilov’s squad must not drop points as they pursue a top-four finish.

However, historical encounters with Kayserispor do not provide much encouragement, as they have secured just one win (D2, L2) in their last five matches against them.

After 11 years in the Turkish top tier, Kayserispor faces severe risk of relegation if they cannot reverse their dismal form.

Signs of a challenging season were evident early on, as the visitors went through a stretch of 10 matches without a win, which included six draws and four losses, before finally achieving their first success of the season with a 3-2 win against Kasimpasa in early November.

As the season nears its end, the Anatolian Star has only managed two wins, accompanied by nine draws and ten losses.

Entering Sunday’s match, Radomir Dalovic’s side is currently on a seven-match winless streak (D3, L4), having lost all four of their latest league games.

Defensively, the visitors are struggling, holding the undesirable distinction of the worst defence in the league with 43 goals conceded.

Team News

In preparation for this fixture, Goztepe reports no new injury concerns, though several players are not expected to feature in this match.

Defender Ismail Koybasi has made only a 10-minute appearance in his team’s last eight outings across all competitions and is currently unavailable due to an undisclosed injury.

Likewise, Alexis Antunes and Arda Okan Kurtulan are expected to miss this match due to various unspecified injuries that have sidelined them.

For Kayserispor, Youssef Ait Bennasser will be absent due to suspension following the accumulation of yellow cards.

Burak Abdulsamet continues to serve a one-year suspension imposed by the Turkish Football Federation as a consequence of a betting scandal.

Additionally, Yigit Celtik is ruled out as he recovers from a knee injury that has kept him inactive since December.

Goztepe SK probable starting XI:

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

Kayserispor probable starting XI:

Donmezer; Carole, Densville, Guler, Brenette; Tocosis; Cardoso, Mendes, Benes, Saglam; Chalov

After their lackluster 0-0 draw with Konyaspor, Goztepe will be determined to get back to winning ways.

With a struggling Kayserispor side in their sights, they are more than capable of securing a victory, and many are predicting a 2-0 win for them.