Turkish Super Lig | Gameweek 21

Jan 24, 2025 at 5pm UK

Stadyum Samsun

Samsunspor vs Gaziantep

Match preview

Samsunspor were held to a goalless draw by Besiktas in their last outing, with goalkeeper Okan Kocuk producing an outstanding performance between the sticks.

The Turkish shot-stopper made several key saves in a game in which the Red Lightning struggled and were reduced to 10 men after Rick van Drongelen was sent off for a second yellow card in the 64th minute.

Thomas Reis' side have been the epitome of resilience and determination this season, qualities that have seen them enjoy an impressive campaign so far, and while the draw at Besiktas dropped them two valuable points and further behind second-placed Fenerbahce, sitting third in the table on 37 points remains a significant achievement for a team that narrowly avoided relegation last season.

With just three points separating them from fourth-placed Goztepe, Samsunspor will be keen to avoid any slip-ups against Gaziantep, especially as they lost to the visitors last time out.

It is worth noting that the home side have never emerged victorious in the three previous top-flight meetings between the two sides, with one win and one draw.

However, Gaziantep's away form has been a major concern this season, with Selcuk Inan's side taking just five points from a possible 27 away from home, making them the sixth-worst away side in the league.

They are winless in their last eight away games, losing six and drawing two, with their only win coming in their opening away game against Bodrumspor.

Their home form also hit a snag last weekend when they were held to a disappointing goalless draw by the same opponents, Bodrumspor, in a game in which Gaziantep offered little in attack, leaving their fans frustrated by the lacklustre performance.

Despite being eight points adrift of fourth-placed Goztepe, GFK will still have hopes of challenging for the top spot - but they will need to drastically improve their away results, starting with Friday's trip to Samsun.

Recent Performance

Samsunspor Turkish Super Lig form:WLDWWD

Samsunspor form (all competitions):LLDWWD

Gaziantep Turkish Super Lig form:WLWDWD

Gaziantep form (all competitions):WWDWWD

Team News

With Van Drongelen suspended following his red card in the previous game, Yunus Ciftci is expected to start at centre-back for the home side.

On the positive side for Samsunspor, Zeki Yavru is set to return to the starting line-up after serving his suspension.

Gaziantep, meanwhile, will be without a number of injured players, including Godfrey Bitok, who is out with a leg injury and has no clear timetable for his return.

Enric Saborit is out with an ankle problem, while Emre Tasdemir is recovering from a muscle problem, but both are expected to be back in action next month.

Possible starting lineup

Samsunspor possible starting lineup:

Kocuk; Bola, Satka, Cift, Schindler; Holse, Bennasser; Kilinc, Ntcham, Muja; Mouandilmadji

Gaziantep possible starting lineup:

Bozan; Viana, Mandouki, Kizildag, Eskihallac; Maxim, Ndiaye, Kozlowski; Okereke, Dervisoglu, Sorescu