Trabzonspor vs Genclerbirligi – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday, Trabzonspor will host Genclerbirligi, having already clinched third place in the Super Lig standings.

In contrast, the visitors must secure a victory at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium to ensure their survival in Turkey’s top tier.

Match overview

This will mark the second encounter between Trabzonspor and Genclerbirligi in four days, following their Turkish Cup semi-final clash earlier this week.

In that match, Trabzonspor emerged victorious with a 2-1 finish, advancing to the final against Konyaspor.

Having reached the final for the third consecutive year, Trabzonspor has improved from seventh place last season, ensuring at least a spot in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

This comes despite only achieving two wins in their last six matches, with a recent 2-1 victory over Besiktas halting a four-match winless streak.

Head Coach Fatih Tekke is likely satisfied with his team’s season, especially at Papara Park where they have gathered 33 points from 16 home matches.

Conversely, Genclerbirligi has mustered only six points from 16 away games this season, the poorest record in the league.

With five losses in six away fixtures, Metin Diyadin’s team is in dire need of a full three points to avoid relegation.

If Antalyaspor wins against Kocaelispor, Genclerbirligi would have to defeat Trabzonspor, having suffered two defeats to Antalyaspor in earlier encounters this season.

Despite the disappointment midweek, the Wind of Ankara has secured three victories in their last four matches across all competitions, including a cup win at Galatasaray.

Team News

Trabzonspor will be without Ernest Muci, who is serving a one-match suspension after picking up his fourth yellow card.

Boran Baskan may return to the central midfield role, though there are several options available as Tekke might rotate players for the cup final.

A decision is also pending on whether to reinstate Paul Onuachu—the league’s leading scorer—in the attack.

Having made extensive changes for the cup semi-final, Diyadin is anticipated to revert to a similar lineup to the one that started in the 3-2 win over Kasimpasa.

Erk Aslan was in line for a start on the left wing after scoring midweek, but the winger exited the match injured in the latter stages.

Sixteen-year-old Ayaz Ozcan earned a start in the cup semi-final as a central striker, and he could be considered for selection if Sekou Koita is sidelined due to injury.

Trabzonspor probable starting XI:

Onana; Tufan, Malkocoglu, Nwaiwu, Lovik; Oulai, Butcher; Zubkov, Baskan Nwakaeme; Nair

Genclerbirligi probable starting XI:

Old; Pereira, Goutas, Zuzek, Dursun; Dele-Bashiru; Traore, Ulgun, Tongya, Mimaroglu; Ozcan

Despite claiming victories in two of their last three matches, Genclerbirligi faces a tough challenge against opponents who have suffered just four defeats in 33 fixtures. Hence, Trabzonspor is favored in this matchup as they aim to conclude an enhanced season with a strong performance.