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

Trabzonspor have made a perfect start to their 2025-26 campaign and will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they take on Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig clash on Sunday at the Papara Park.

The visitors are also heading into this game on the back of two straight wins in the league, and the fixture promises to be a cracking contest.

Match preview

Trabzonspor had a difficult 2024-25 campaign, as they finished seventh in the league table, which proved to be their lowest ranking since winning the Turkish Super Lig title back in 2021-22.

With no European football to focus on, Bordo-Mavililer should look to punch above their weight this season and reduce the gap to the likes of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.

Fatih Tekke's side have made a strong start to the season, winning both their games by a 1-0 scoreline. Summer signing Paul Onuachu, who joined from Southampton, made an instant impact as he netted the winner in the opening game against Kocaelispor.

In the second league game, Felipe Augusto, who moved from Cercle Brugge in the summer window, scored against Kasimpasa to earn all three points for Trabzonspor. Interestingly, both goals have come in the second half, which indicates that Karadeniz Firtinasi are grinding out results despite not being at their best.

The home side boast a fantastic record against Antalyaspor, having won four of their last five games against them, including a league double in the 2024-25 campaign.

The Scorpions struggled badly last season and finished 15th in the league with 44 points, although they were never in danger of getting relegated.

It was their worst league ranking since 2021-22, and definitely a setback for Emre Belozoglou, who took the club to a 10th-place finish in 2023-24.

The Antalya-based club have shown faith in their manager and have backed him in the market, as they made nine new signings this summer.

One of those arrivals - Nikola Storm - made an instant impact as he scored in the 2-1 win over Kasimpasa in the opening game.

The 30-year-old Belgian winger was on the scoresheet again in the 1-0 victory against Genclerbirligi, and he is already proving to be a terrific signing for them after joining from Jupiler Pro League side KV Mechelen.

Trabzonspor Turkish Super Lig form:

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Antalyaspor Turkish Super Lig form:

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Team News

The home side will be without Croatian left-back Borna Barisic for the foreseeable future, with the former Rangers defender out for several months with a cruciate ligament tear.

Anthony Nwakaeme also picked up a torn thigh muscle injury in the opening game, and he is not available for selection. Augusto started in place of the winger against Kasimpasa, and he is likely to continue operating behind Onuachu.

Antalyaspor are likely to be without Erdogan Yesilyurt, who is struggling with fitness issues. Sander van de Streek started in both games at right-back, and the Dutch defender is set to retain his place after back-to-back strong performances.

Bahadir Ozturk started in the opening game for Akrepler, but he was taken off in the first half due to an injury. The 29-year-old is unavailable for this game, and Georgiy Dzhikiya is set to start once again in his absence.

Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:

Cakir; Eskihellac, Batagov, Savic, Pina; Yokuslu, Jabol-Folcarelli; Olaigbe, Augusto, Zubkov; Onuachu

Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:

Yigiter; Paal, Dzhikiya, Sari, Van de Streek; Dikmen, Kaluzinski; Omur, Storm, Vural; Cvancara

We say: Trabzonspor 2-1 Antalyaspor

Both teams have made a solid start to the season, but Trabzonspor have a psychological edge given their superior record over their rival.

It will be a close contest, and while Antalyaspor have shown they can score away from home, the home side is likely to nick away a victory thanks to their impressive second-half performances thus far.

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