Preview: Eyupspor vs. Alanyaspor - prediction, team news, lineups

Eyupspor are finding the start to their second season in the Turkish Super Lig far more challenging than in their first year, as the Istanbul-based club welcome Alanyaspor in gameweek three's contest at Pendik Stadi.

Having started last season unbeaten, new boss Selcuk Sahin has not matched Arda Turan’s early top-flight results, leaving them winless ahead of the visit of Simsekler, who have not lost in six straight games, including the culmination of last season.

Match preview

Last season’s Super Lig start for Eyupspor saw former manager Turan secure four points from six in the opening fixtures, finishing with nine points from their first five league games.

Those results came during a five-match unbeaten streak, which highlighted the then-promoted side's fighting spirit that made them difficult to defeat.

A year later, Eyupspor, who finished sixth in the previous season, surpassing expectations, have lost their element of surprise — evident in a 4-1 defeat to Konyaspor on the opening weekend, followed by a 2-1 loss at Besiktas in their most recent outing.

After avoiding defeat in front of their supporters for the first three months of 2024-25, Sahin has not matched Turan's results, leaving the Istanbul-based club second from bottom in the early league standings.

Nevertheless, Eyupspor hope their historical advantage in this fixture — never losing a league match in eight encounters against Monday's visitors — will serve them well ahead of gameweek three.

Alanyaspor's only win over their upcoming opponents was a cup victory after extra time in 2022, and Joao Pereira's team aims to be the side to secure a league win over their hosts.

That ambition will be tested, considering the Alanya-based team still suffered a 3-0 defeat to Eyupspor in January 2025, despite changes in the dugouts.

Pereira has since replaced the sacked Sami Ugurlu as manager, while the hosts have not only lost their surprise factor but have also seen Turan depart.

As a result, Alanyaspor will be looking to claim their first victory of the 2025-26 season and erase the memory of their 3-0 thrashing in Istanbul seven months ago.

The travelling supporters may have reasons to be optimistic, as their team have extended the five-match unbeaten streak carried over from the previous season.

Although they drew blank in a goalless game against Rizespor on August 16, Pereira will be hoping for a strong performance in Istanbul to prolong Alanya’s unbeaten run across two seasons.

Eyupspor Turkish Super Lig form:

Alanyaspor Turkish Super Lig form:

Team News

While Eyupspor have no confirmed injury-related absentees, Yalcin Kayan and Halil Akbunar will be evaluated, although Can Bayirkan is ineligible for Monday's match.

Despite the potential absences, Mame Thiam is expected to take on the attacking role for the hosts, having scored 15 league goals last season along with two assists, ending the 24-25 season with 17 goal contributions.

Buluthan Bulut's knee injury is expected to keep the Alanyaspor attacking midfielder out for another two to three months, though the visiting team are nearing full fitness.

Veteran goalkeeper Ertugrul Taskiran was arguably Simsekler’s player of the match last time out, and the shot-stopper strives to be as influential in matchday three.

Eyupspor possible starting lineup:

Felipe; Kabasakal, Claro, Mujakic, Meras; Demirbay, Stepanenko, Seslar; Ampem, Thiam, Bozok

Alanyaspor possible starting lineup:

Taskiran; Aksoy, Aliti, Akdag; Hadergjonaj, Makouta, Janvier, Ozdemir; Usluoglu, Hwang; Sporar

We say: Eyupspor 1-1 Alanyaspor

Alanyaspor's unbeaten run stretches back to last season, and the Istanbul hosts’ poor start to the new season suggests the visitors will at least aim to avoid a loss on Monday.

The difference between securing one point or all three will depend on Pereira's team displaying more confidence when they have possession, which is uncertain given the limited number of games so far.

Therefore, both teams might share the points in a draw in Istanbul.

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