Kayserispor vs. Kocaelispor – News and Probable Lineups

Desperate to escape relegation, Kayserispor aims to end their losing streak in the Turkish Super Lig when they host Kocaelispor at the Kadir Has Stadium on Monday.

Currently sitting second from the bottom, the Anatolian Stars are just three points off safety and have not tasted victory in their last six league matches (3D, 3L).

Match overview

The beginning of 2026 has been tough for Kayserispor, who have yet to score or earn points this year, as head coach Radomir Dalovic finds it challenging to turn things around with his team firmly in the relegation zone after 20 games.

As they ended 2025 with consecutive draws against Eyupspor, Alanyaspor, and Konyaspor, they faced defeats against Besiktas (1-0), Istanbul Basaksehir (3-0), and Galatasaray (4-0), conceding eight goals in those matches.

The upcoming encounter against Kocaelispor marks only their fourth meeting this century — with two matchups in the 2008–09 season and a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Kayserispor’s defensive issues have been glaring, as they have conceded 41 goals thus far — the highest in the league — resulting in the worst goal difference of minus 25.

Additionally, their discipline has been a liability, having given away more penalties than any other team (six), while their attack has faltered, managing only one goal in their last five league appearances.

On the other hand, Kocaelispor has also had a rocky start to the new year following a strong finish to the first half of the season.

Selcuk Inan’s squad is yet to secure a victory in five competitive outings in 2026, with a goalless draw against Samsunspor interrupting league losses to Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce.

However, there is some optimism, as all three teams they have faced in the league were above them in the standings. Monday’s match provides the first opportunity this year to play against a team below them, potentially allowing them to return to winning form.

Currently sitting in ninth place with 24 points, Kocaelispor also showcased their quality in midweek by holding an in-form Besiktas to a 1-1 draw in the Turkish Cup — a performance that should bolster their confidence.

Team News

Kayserispor will be missing Yigit Cetlik as he is still recovering from a knee injury, while Majid Hosseini and Gideon Jung are also out due to fitness issues.

Ramazan Civelek and first-choice goalkeeper Bilal Bayazit will both serve suspensions following the accumulation of yellow cards, meaning Onurcan Piri is expected to take over in goal.

Abdulsamet Burak remains unavailable as he continues to serve a 12-month ban for betting violations.

Kocaelispor will again be without Mateusz Wieteska, who is still on the mend from a cruciate ligament injury, and Karol Linetty is suspended.

In his absence, Tayfur Bingol is anticipated to fill the midfield role alongside Angolan international Show.

Kayserispor probable starting XI:

Piri; Opoku, Ait Bennasser, Denswil, Carole; Benes, Soyalp; Mane, Mendes, Cardoso; Onugkha

Kocaelispor probable starting XI:

Degirmen; Oguz, Dijksteel, Smolcic, Haidara; Show, Bingol; News, Rivas, Agyei; Petcovic

Given Kayserispor’s defensive shortcomings and their struggles in attack, it’s challenging to predict a turnaround, even with home advantage, particularly against a Kocaelispor team that has generally fared well against stronger opponents in recent weeks.

Even though the visitors have not made a strong start to 2026, they appear more stable and balanced throughout the team and should find opportunities against the league’s weakest defense.