Samsunspor vs Gaziantep – News and Probable Lineups

Samsunspor hosts Gaziantep at the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu on Sunday as they look to build on their unbeaten run with new head coach Thorsten Fink.

The Red Lightning have engaged in three fixtures since Fink’s arrival – one in the Turkish Super Lig and two in European competition – achieving two wins and one draw, indicating early signs of stability during a tumultuous season.

Match overview

Samsunspor’s season has exhibited a Jekyll and Hyde quality – while they have made remarkable progress in European tournaments, their domestic performances have lagged, causing mixed feelings among fans.

On Thursday, the Black Sea team achieved a decisive 4-0 win against North Macedonian club Shkendija in the second leg of their Conference League knockout round, confirming a 5-0 aggregate after a 1-0 victory in the first leg.

Goals from Olivier Ntcham, Cherif Ndiaye, and two from Marius Mouandilmadji ensured advancement to the Round of 16 of a major UEFA tournament for the first time in the club’s history.

However, the situation domestically is less optimistic – after securing a third-place finish last season, Samsunspor has struggled to maintain that level of play and currently finds themselves in seventh place in the Super Lig standings with 31 points from 23 matches.

Although they are safely above the relegation zone, they trail the European qualification spots by 12 points, and their prospects of re-entering continental competition next season are diminishing.

They approach this match following a three-game winless streak in the league, suffering significant defeats to Trabzonspor and Antalyaspor, and then being held to a frustrating goalless draw against bottom-placed Fatih Karagumruk.

Fink will look to halt that trend against a Gaziantep team they remain unbeaten against in their last four encounters, having won two and drawn two in that time.

On the other hand, the visitors arrive with their own set of issues, having succumbed to back-to-back league losses, including a 3-0 defeat to Kocaelispor and a 2-1 loss to Trabzonspor.

In the latter match, a frantic five-minute period in the first half turned the tide, as Mohamed Bayo gave the Falcons an early lead in the 22nd minute, but Trabzonspor quickly responded with two goals to change the course of the match.

Despite these setbacks, Burak Yilmaz’s side sits ninth with 28 points, holding an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone, showing a significant improvement from their precarious start to the season.

However, their away form raises concerns, as they have not managed a win in their last five league outings on the road, with two draws and three losses.

Team News

Samsunspor is still dealing with multiple injury issues, as Bedirhan Cetin and Tanguy Coulibaly are out with knee injuries.

Afonso Sousa is on the mend from an ankle injury, while Emre Kilinc is sidelined due to a calf tear, and Tahsin Bulbul is also expected to miss this fixture.

Mouandilmadji will seek to capitalize on his recent European success, as the forward averages the most shots on target per game for the hosts (0.8) and remains their standout attacking player.

Gaziantep will still be missing midfielder Ali Mevran Ablak and French defender Salem M’Bakata, both recovering from long-term cruciate ligament injuries.

Veteran midfielder Badou N’Diaye has been out since December, but there are hopes he could be back in contention for this clash.

Samsunspor probable starting XI:

Whisker; Yavru, Sakta, Drongelen, Thomasson; Makoumbou, Ntcham; Hired, Holse, Mendes; Who

Gaziantep probable starting XI:

The Gorge; Sangare, Sanuc, Mujakic, Rodriguez; Kozlowski, Ozcicek; Dragus, Maxim, Weaver; Bayo

With the boost from their recent European triumph, Samsunspor should carry that momentum into this Super Lig fixture, and their strong historical performance against Gaziantep boosts their confidence.

The visitors’ poor away record is concerning, especially facing an energized home side, which is why we anticipate the hosts’ vigor will be decisive in the end.