Kocaelispor vs Çaykur Rizespor – News and Probable Lineups

Kocaelispor hopes to enhance their standing in the upper half of the Turkish Super Lig as they prepare to take on Caykur Rizespor at Yildiz Entegre Kocaeli Stadyumu this Saturday.

The home side is currently in seventh place with 15 points from nine games, while Rizespor sits in 13th position with 10 points. They are on a challenging run, having experienced three straight league losses, during which they conceded nine goals.

Match overview

Kocaelispor’s 2-1 win against Alanyaspor was a timely reminder of their capabilities after two league defeats against Besiktas and Goztepe. They have secured five victories in nine matches, although they have faced defeat four times and remain without any draws.

The Gulf followed up that league success with a 3-0 triumph over lower-league team Mazidagi in the Turkish Cup on Tuesday, where Metehan Altunbas scored twice, and Dan Agyei also added his name to the scoresheet in a strong showing.

As they return to league action on home turf, Kocaelispor is eager to bounce back from their 2-1 loss to Goztepe in their last outing at Kocaeli Stadyumu, which ended their unbeaten streak at home after three wins on their own ground with no goals conceded.

The hosts boast a commendable home record against Saturday’s opponents in the Super Lig, having lost only once in their last seven home meetings in the top flight against Rizespor, with three victories and three draws, including a 1-1 draw last season.

Nonetheless, Kocaelispor did not secure a win in either of their encounters with Rizespor last season, losing away and managing only a draw at home, and they have also not tasted victory in their last six competitive clashes against Rizespor, having lost four of those games.

Rizespor will seek to extend that streak, but they are in urgent need of defensive improvements to resolve their ongoing struggles.

They faced a 3-0 defeat against Fenerbahce and lost 2-1 to Corum before suffering a 4-3 defeat at home to Trabzonspor. Only Eyupspor, who conceded 17 goals, and Samsunspor, with 15, have conceded more than Rizespor’s 11 in their last five league outings.

Additionally, Rizespor’s recent away form raises concerns, as they have yet to secure a victory in their last two league matches away from home (D1, L1) after winning their first three away fixtures.

Despite this downturn, Rizespor remains one of the stronger away teams in the league, sharing 10 points on the road with Kasimpasa in the away standings. They will now strive to achieve their first win at this venue since 2010 when they last claimed victory there in the second division.

Team News

Kocaelispor is likely to be without Bruno Petkovic, who is contending with a hamstring issue, while Aleksandar Jovanovic has made a return from injury and played against Mazidagi.

Tanguy Zoukrou and Massadio Haidara are also expected to be unavailable due to injuries, presenting the hosts with defensive selection dilemmas ahead of Saturday’s match.

Head coach Selcuk Inan may opt to bring back Altunbas following his standout cup performance, while Muharrem Cinan is another candidate for the left-back position.

Rizespor will miss Khusniddin Alikulov, who is out with a cruciate ligament injury, and Ahmed Kutucu has not fully recovered from a thigh issue, while Can Bozdogan is reportedly dealing with an injury as well.

Coach Recep Ucar was sent off in the closing moments of the defeat to Trabzonspor but is anticipated to return to the sidelines for this fixture.

Gennaro Borrelli shone with a brace against Trabzonspor and could keep his spot in the starting lineup ahead of Ali Sowe.

Kocaelispor probable starting XI:

Öztasdelen; Rivas, Ortakaya, Dijksteel, Cinan; Susoho, Show, Kutlu; Sousa, Aye, Altunbas

Caykur Rizespor probable starting XI:

Fly; Shovel, Baywood, Cork, Ariss; I didn’t eat; Mebude, Olawoyin, Laci, Michaela; Borrelli

Kocaelispor’s home advantage provides them with a solid foundation to secure all three points, especially against a team that has conceded nine goals over its last three league matches, and the hosts should generate sufficient chances to prevail in a tightly contested match.