Preview: Antalyaspor vs Kasimpasa - prediction, team news, lineups

Antalyaspor and Kasimpasa will get their respective Turkish Super Lig campaigns underway this weekend as both sides lock horns at Antalya Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts will be keen to hit the ground running after finishing just above the relegation zone last time out, while their visitors come into the season aiming to better a 10th-place finish from 2024-25.

Match preview

A regular mid-table to bottom-half outfit since returning to the top flight in 2015-16, Antalyaspor managed to survive once again, but the 2024-25 campaign was relatively underwhelming.

With 44 points from 14 wins, eight draws and 16 defeats, the Scorpions slumped to a 15th-place finish, which marks their poorest showing in the past four years, having ended the season with a disappointing run of results.

Emre Belozoglu’s side failed to win any of their final four league matches in 2024-25, suffering three losses in that spell, while their pre-season outings provided little by way of encouragement.

The Scorpions went without victory in their first three friendlies (D1, L2), but finally enjoyed success by dispatching North Macedonian side KF Shkupi 6-1 in their most recent outing, giving Belozoglu a bit of momentum heading into his first full season in charge.

The 44-year-old tactician took over the reins in January and will find added motivation facing a Kasimpasa side against which he claimed his first win as Antalyaspor manager.

The hosts were unbeaten in this fixture last term, picking up a goalless draw on the road before edging a 2-1 victory in the return leg under Belozoglu, so they have an unbeaten run to protect this Saturday.

While Kasimpasa will hope to halt that streak, their recent form paints a rather modest picture, having failed to win any of their last five games across all competitions, including summer friendlies.

The Apaciler closed out the 2024-25 season with two draws and a defeat, with the results marking the end of Burak Yilmaz’s tenure before he stepped down from his role in June.

Shota Arveladze was appointed in July, but his short spell at the helm has yet to spark a turnaround, with a draw and a narrow 1-0 loss to his former employers Hull City in pre-season doing little to lift the mood.

While Kasimpasa's current struggles have been vividly painted, it is only fair to note that they were solid on their travels last term, collecting 25 points from 18 away games.

With seven of those earned across their final four outings, the Apaciler may feel they have what it takes to spring a surprise this weekend.

Antalyaspor form (all competitions):

Kasimpasa form (all competitions):

Team News

Antalyaspor have seen some key personnel changes, letting go of several players and bringing in fresh faces to bolster the squad.

Among those to depart were Swedish winger Sam Larsson and former Tottenham forward Andros Townsend, while incoming loanees Poyraz Yildirim and Tomas Cvancara headline the attacking reinforcements.

On the injury front, the Scorpions will be without Erdogan Yesilyurt and Sander Van de Streek, both sidelined with long-term knee issues.

Kasimpasa have also overseen a major reshuffle this summer, with top scorer Nuno Da Costa — who netted 13 league goals last term — moving on a free transfer to Basaksehir.

However, the club have responded by bringing in forwards Kubilay Kanatsizkus and Yusuf Barasi, among other arrivals.

Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:

Yigiter; Balci, Dzhikiya, Ozturk, Paal; Kaluzinski, Dikmen; Sinik, Omur, Storm; Cvancara

Kasimpasa possible starting lineup:

Gianniotis; Winck, Szalai, Ciftpınar, Ozcan; Hajradinovic, Baldursson; Kol, Ben Ouannes, Barası; Kanatsızkus

We say: Antalyaspor 2-1 Kasimpasa

With Kasimpasa led by a new manager still bedding in and playing away from the comfort of their own turf, Antalyaspor should fancy their chances of making home advantage count.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.