Samsunspor vs Trabzonspor: can the hosts stop the Black Sea storm?
In the 7th round of the Turkish Super Lig, Samsunspor will host Trabzonspor. It will be an important game for both teams after the international break, but the two sides head into it in completely different moods.
- Read also: Can India frustrate Uruguay in Kolkata? India vs Uruguay prediction – 06.10.2026
Samsunspor are going through an extremely difficult spell. After six rounds, the team have collected just four points and sit in the lower part of the table. The start had looked promising: they drew 3-3 with Göztepe at home before comfortably beating Rizespor 2-0 away. But then the slump began, with defeats against Fenerbahçe (0-2), Kocaelispor (0-1), Çorumspor (1-5) and Erzurumspor (0-1). Four consecutive losses and just one goal scored in their last four matches — statistics that will hardly please the fans.
Trabzonspor, however, are approaching the game in a completely different frame of mind. After six matches, the team have 10 points. There have been some disappointing setbacks — defeats to Amedspor (1-2) and Konyaspor (0-1) — but the team then demolished Gençlerbirliği 5-0 and, in the last round, pulled off a stunning upset by destroying defending champions Galatasaray 4-0. It was also their first league victory over the Istanbul giants since 2022.
What makes the fixture particularly intriguing is the coaching change that took place before the match. After Fatih Tekke’s departure, Trabzonspor appointed Thomas Reis, who had previously worked in Turkey and, notably, managed Samsunspor. The German now returns to a familiar stadium, but this time as the opposition’s coach.
The visitors also possess serious attacking firepower. Paul Onuachu remains their main weapon, while the squad also includes star newcomer Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has already attracted enormous attention and has given Trabzonspor even greater quality in the final third. At the same time, the team have some personnel concerns: Ruslan Malinovskyi is still recovering from injury, and his return is not expected before late autumn.
The recent head-to-head record also appears to favor the visitors. In February, Trabzonspor comfortably won 3-0 in Samsun, while in April the teams drew 0-0 in the Turkish Cup, with Trabzonspor advancing on penalties.
In my view, it will be extremely difficult for the hosts to stop their opponents right now. Samsunspor have lost their confidence, while Trabzonspor have just thrashed Galatasaray and brought in a new coach with extra motivation. Therefore, I expect a fairly convincing performance from the visitors.
My prediction: Trabzonspor to win.
