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

Trabzonspor are targeting a fourth straight win when they welcome Samsunspor to Papara Park this Sunday.

The Black Sea have started the 2025-26 Super Lig brightly, appearing to have recovered from last season’s poor showing, as they are with nine points from three wins and are yet to concede a goal.

Match preview

Trabzonspor could hardly have asked for a stronger start, winning their opening three league matches to sit second in the table, level on points with Galatasaray but trailing only on goal difference.

The Black Sea Storm have been solid at the back, recording clean sheets in each of those victories over Kocaelispor, Kasimpasa and Antalyaspor – however, manager Fatih Tekke may be concerned by his side’s lack of cutting edge in attack, with all three wins coming by narrow 1-0 scorelines.

Sunday’s clash with Samsunspor presents a stern examination at both ends of the pitch, as the visitors have found the net at least twice in each of their last three meetings with Trabzonspor, who failed to win any of those encounters.

Their most recent contest at Papara Park finished 2-2, with the hosts seemingly on course for victory after two late goals, only for Samsunspor to snatch a dramatic equaliser in the 89th minute.

Even so, Trabzonspor can take heart from their long-standing dominance in this fixture at home, having not lost to Samsunspor on their own patch since 2003, winning six and drawing one of the seven clashes held there since that defeat.

Samsunspor, meanwhile, will be hoping to finally end that barren run, having come so close last season, only to concede two quick goals late in the game, leaving their late effort rewarded with only a draw.

The effect of European football on their campaign remains to be seen, with the club dropping into the Conference League after falling short against Panathinaikos in Europa League qualifying.

Thomas Reis’s men were granted a postponement of their weekend fixture with Kasimpasa to aid those preparations, but could not overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, drawing 0-0 in the return match.

They will now turn their focus back to domestic matters, aiming to sustain momentum from early wins over promoted sides Genclerbirligi and Kocaelispor.

This will represent their first major examination of the season, particularly given their inconsistency on the road, with only four away victories recorded in the calendar year of 2025.

Trabzonspor Turkish Super Lig form:

Samsunspor Turkish Super Lig form:

Samsunspor form (all competitions):

Team News

Trabzonspor are still without experienced forward Anthony Nwakaeme, who is sidelined until late September with a thigh injury.

Left-back Borna Barisic also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, likewise expected to keep him out until the end of next month.

There are fresh concerns over Cihan Canak and goalkeeper Onuralp Cevikkan, who are both doubtful due to muscle problems and will undergo late fitness tests ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Tekke is otherwise expected to stick with the core of the side that has won three successive league games, with Paul Onuachu once again leading the line after his strong start to the season.

Samsunspor will travel without Afonso Sousa, who is nursing a muscle injury and is not expected back until early September.

Danish winger Carlo Holse is also ruled out after sustaining a foot injury, with his return scheduled for the middle of next month.

Other than those absentees, the visitors have no fresh concerns and will be counting on the likes of Emre Kilinic and Olivier Ntcham, as they look to cause an upset at Papara Park.

Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:

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

Samsunspor possible starting lineup:

Kocuk; Yavru, Satka, Van Drongelen, Tomasson; Ntcham, Makoumbou, Yuksel; Dimata, Mouandilmadji, Kilinc

We say: Trabzonspor 1-0 Samsunspor

Despite injury concerns, Trabzonspor will fancy their chances at Papara Park, where they have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings with Samsunspor.

Tekke’s men remain strong at home and will look to their defensive solidity to secure the points, against a Samsunspor side that might still be recovering from an exhausting European affair.

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