Trabzonspor vs. Çaykur Rizespor – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday, Papara Park will host a clash between two well-performing sides as Trabzonspor takes on Caykur Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig.

Both squads come into this match with three straight league wins, but the hosts have more to play for, as they are still clinging to slim title hopes, sitting seven points behind league leaders Galatasaray with nine matches left to play.

Match overview

Trabzonspor extended their solid form with an impressive 3-1 win away at Kayserispor in their latest outing, marking their fourth triumph in the last five league games and bringing their winning streak in all competitions to four.

During this stretch, no team has accrued as many points in the Super Lig as the Black Sea Storm, highlighting the momentum they have gained as the season nears its critical juncture.

Paul Onuachu was the standout player in that match, netting twice in the first half, and the Nigerian forward has now scored in seven consecutive league matches, matching the club record established by Burak Yilmaz in the 2011-12 season.

In total, Onuachu’s scoring ability is even more impressive, finding the back of the net in nine straight matches across all competitions, and he currently tops the Super Lig Golden Boot standings with 20 league goals, comfortably ahead of Eldor Shomurodov (16) and Mauro Icardi (13), who are next in line.

The forward is accountable for nearly 40% of Trabzonspor’s total goals this season and will be looking to extend his scoring streak to 10 matches when Rizespor visits on Saturday.

History is on the side of the hosts in this matchup, as Trabzonspor has claimed victory in their last three encounters with Rizespor in all tournaments, including a 2-1 win in the previous meeting earlier this season.

Possessing the league’s third-best attacking record with 51 goals scored, behind only Galatasaray (59) and Fenerbahce (57), the Black Sea team will again rely on their offensive capabilities, having scored at least two goals in each of their last seven fixtures.

Nonetheless, this match could pose more difficulties than initially anticipated due to Rizespor’s recent resurgence.

After a challenging winter, the Sparrowhawks have revitalized their campaign and are now considered one of the most in-form teams in the league.

Since taking over in December 2025 after Ilhan Palut’s departure, Recep Ucar has guided consistent enhancements in performances, leading his team to three consecutive league wins for the first time this season.

In their latest league match, Rizespor triumphed over Kocaelispor 2-0 and Kasimpasa 3-0, before narrowly defeating Antalyaspor 1-0.

Remarkably, they have also maintained three consecutive clean sheets in the league — a defensive strength they will need to uphold if they hope to manage Trabzonspor’s formidable forward line and secure a first win in this fixture since 2024.

Team News

Trabzonspor will continue to be without Edin Visca, who remains in recovery from a long-standing foot injury and is not expected to make a comeback until May.

In the midfield, Tim Jabol-Folcarelli is ruled out with a torn lateral ankle ligament, while Benjamin Bouchouari will also be absent due to a similar ankle injury sustained earlier this month.

Younger midfielder Boran Baskan is unavailable as he recuperates from a thigh issue — however, there’s positive news regarding Chibuike Nwaiwu and Okay Yokuslu, who both had minor injuries but are anticipated to be fit for this match.

All eyes will be on Onuachu to make a significant impact once more, as the in-form striker aims to further his lead in the Golden Boot race.

On the other hand, Rizespor will miss defender Husniddin Alikulov, who is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus incurred in January.

Midfielder Qazim Laci will also be sidelined due to suspension from accumulating too many yellow cards, and his absence will be felt, as he has been a vital creative force for the team this season, generating a team-high of 10 significant chances.

Trabzonspor probable starting XI:

Onana; Pina, Batagov, Savic, Skihellac; Inao Oulai, Tufan; Zubkov, Muci, F. August; Onuachu

Caykur Rizespor probable starting XI:

Fly; Shovel, Sagnan, Acaydin, Hojer; Antalya; Michaela, Bulut, Olawoyin, Mebude; Sowe

The attacking prowess of Trabzonspor makes them a formidable rival, particularly at Papara Park where they typically control matches.

Rizespor’s recent defensive advances and three consecutive clean sheets indicate that they won’t be easily breached, but the hosts’ current momentum and superior offensive capabilities are likely to be pivotal in the outcome.