Konyaspor vs Kasımpaşa – News and Probable Lineups

A crucial match in the battle against relegation in the Turkish Super Lig will unfold at Konya Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium this Sunday, as 14th-placed Konyaspor takes on 16th-placed Kasimpasa.

While the home team currently sits just outside the bottom three, they hold a mere three-point advantage over their opponents, who occupy the first relegation position, making this encounter all the more significant.

Match overview

Konyaspor stirred excitement in Turkish football after a stunning 2-0 win against Galatasaray, a result that significantly enhanced their chances of avoiding relegation as the season nears its conclusion.

Nevertheless, the team from Anatolia failed to capitalize on this positive outcome, facing a 2-0 loss to Istanbul Basaksehir last Friday, which leaves them with just one victory in their last 14 league games (D6, L7).

Ilhan Palut’s squad did manage to bounce back midweek, securing a 1-0 win against Eyupspor in the Turkish Cup, thus advancing to the quarter-finals, providing a much-needed boost during an otherwise disappointing season.

Heading into this match, Konyaspor boasts a favorable historical record against Kasimpasa, having emerged victorious in eight and drawn eight of their last 16 meetings, giving them a psychological edge as they prepare for Sunday.

Kasimpasa finds themselves sitting at 16th place, and while a win could potentially lift them out of the relegation zone, their recent performances indicate that securing such a result will be challenging.

The Apaches have achieved only one victory in their past 11 league outings – a 3-2 triumph over bottom-placed Fatih Karagumruk – placing them two points behind safety.

While Emre Belozoglu’s team managed to secure a respectable 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce, they were unable to follow up that effort and suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Caykur Rizespor in their latest league match.

Since Belozoglu’s arrival in early December, a true turnaround has yet to occur, with the club managing only one win and two draws across 10 league matches on his watch – consequently, their 14-year tenure in the Turkish top flight remains under serious threat.

Team News

Konyaspor will be missing Ufuk Akyol, who has been sidelined due to a knee injury since October, while Blaz Kramer is out due to a suspension from accumulating too many yellow cards.

Rayyan Baniya is nearing a return from a shin injury and may feature, while veteran defender Guilherme will undergo a late fitness assessment before kickoff.

Kasimpasa will definitely miss Haris Hajradinovic, who remains unavailable since suffering a knee injury in August.

However, Kerem Demirbay, Rodrigo Becao, and Emre Tasdemir are all doubtful and must clear late fitness tests to play in Sunday’s important fixture.

Konyaspor probable starting XI:

Gungordu; Andzouana, Yazgili, Demirbag, Bosluk; Kutlu, Bjorlo; Turuc, Bardhi, Olaigbe; Let it go

Kasimpasa probable starting XI:

Ganniotis; Corekci, Opoku, Arousi, Frimpong; Baldursson, Kahveci; Benedyczak, Ben Ouanes, Diabate; Tosun

This encounter has all the makings of a tense relegation fight, with both teams eager to secure points.

Konyaspor’s overall poor form in the league suggests they might find it difficult to fully take advantage of Kasimpasa’s inconsistencies, particularly on the defensive end, anticipating a tight match where neither side is likely to take significant risks.