Trabzonspor vs Ferencváros – News and Probable Lineups

On Thursday, Trabzonspor will face Ferencvaros at Papara Park in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff tie, with a spot in the group stage on the line. The return match is set for August 27 at the Groupama Arena.

This matchup is anticipated to be a significant event for the Black Sea Storm’s fans, particularly with Mohamed Salah potentially making his first start after coming on as a substitute in the Super Lig opener last Sunday.

Match overview

Trabzonspor secured their place in the playoff round by triumphing in last season’s Turkish Cup, which allowed them to avoid the earlier qualification stages and directly face a Ferencvaros team that head coach Fatih Tekke has acknowledged as the stronger side on paper.

Tekke’s comment follows a challenging start to the domestic season, as the Black Sea Storm managed only a 1-1 draw against Kasimpasa in their opening match, where Noah Saviolo’s initial goal was equalized by Adrian Benedyczak’s penalty.

However, an encouraging aspect was Salah’s substitution appearance, which provided Trabzonspor fans with a glimpse of the impact their new star can have. Despite only being on the field for about 30 minutes, the Egyptian produced the highest expected-goals rate of all players present, creating two chances and attempting eight crosses.

Having signed a two-year contract after spending nine seasons with Liverpool, Salah stands out as one of the most notable free transfers in Super Lig history. After aiding Egypt in reaching the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the 34-year-old is anticipated to make his first start on Thursday as Trabzonspor aims to capitalize on their home advantage.

The hosts also have access to Paul Onuachu, who was the joint-top scorer in the Super Lig last season with 22 goals. Nevertheless, based on Tekke’s evaluation of the opponents, Trabzonspor may take a more cautious stance to prevent giving the visitors an advantage before the second leg.

On the other hand, Ferencvaros arrives in Turkey full of confidence after overcoming Gornik Zabrze with a 2-1 aggregate scoreline in the previous qualifying round, having secured a 1-0 win in the first leg and a 1-1 draw in the second.

This result has ensured their inclusion in at least the Conference League group stage, thus allowing them to approach Thursday’s encounter with less pressure than their counterparts.

Ferencvaros has also showcased their European credentials in recent years, particularly by coming back from 2-0 down on aggregate to defeat Ludogorets 3-2 in last season’s Europa League knockout playoff round.

They have remained unbeaten away in this current qualifying campaign, securing victories against Vojvodina and Twente, and drawing against Gornik. However, facing the intense atmosphere at Papara Park will be their greatest challenge to date.

Team News

Trabzonspor will evaluate Salah’s fitness prior to what could be his first start for the team after an impressive cameo against Kasimpasa. Meanwhile, Andre Onana is likely to remain in goal.

Arseniy Batagov and Tim Jabol-Folcarelli are both out due to knee injuries, while Ernest Muci is sidelined with a hamstring issue and Okay Yokuslu is still not fully fit.

Ferencvaros reports no new injury concerns following their victory over Gornik, and they are expected to field a mostly unchanged lineup.

Goalkeeper Denes Dibusz continues to be a pivotal figure in goal, with Kristoffer Zachariassen and Lenny Joseph important contributors in attack during the qualifying stage.

Trabzonspor probable starting XI:

That’s right; Pina, Savic, Nwaiwu, Eskihellac; Bouchouari, Malinox; Salah, Mimaroglu, Saviolo; Onuachu

Ferencvaros probable starting XI:

Dibus; Osvath, Gomez, Zohore, Cadu; Zeteny, Nagy, Corbu, Zachariassen; Joseph, Kanichowsky

Salah’s presence provides Trabzonspor with a true match-winner, and his initial start could offer the hosts an extra attacking dimension at Papara Park.

However, Tekke’s acknowledgment that Ferencvaros is the stronger team on paper cannot be dismissed. The Hungarian champions possess considerable European experience, are unbeaten on the road during qualifying, and have already secured at least a spot in the Conference League group stage.

While we anticipate Trabzonspor’s home advantage aiding them in avoiding defeat, Ferencvaros is likely to have enough quality and composure to secure a draw, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Budapest.