Trabzonspor vs Fatih Karagumruk: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 27 February 2026
The Matchday 24 fixture of the 2025/26 Turkish Super Lig will take place on Friday, February 27, at Papara Park Stadium in Trabzon. This showdown features Trabzonspor and Fatih Karagumruk, two sides at opposite ends of the table: the hosts are pushing for medals and a Champions League spot, while the visitors are desperately battling to avoid relegation.
Match preview
Under the guidance of Fatih Tekke, Trabzonspor sit third in the table with 48 points. The “Burgundy Blues” are in superb form, having just beaten Gaziantep 2-1 away last round. Their main attacking threat remains Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu, who leads the league’s scoring chart with 17 goals. Trabzonspor are traditionally formidable at home, suffering only one defeat all season, and tomorrow’s match offers a golden opportunity to consolidate their top-three position.
Tactically, Trabzonspor focus on aggressive wing play. Ernest Muçi is pivotal in midfield, linking defense and attack. Despite a frustrating 2-3 defeat to Fenerbahçe in mid-February, the team bounced back quickly and continue to deliver high-scoring performances. The squad’s injury situation is stable, and the return of several rotation players gives Güneş options to break down the visitors’ packed defense.
Fatih Karagumruk are enduring one of the toughest seasons in their history, sitting bottom of the table (18th) with just 13 points. Last round, they scraped a goalless draw against Samsunspor, but it did little to improve their league position. Their biggest headache remains a dreadful away record: only one win on the road this season, with nine defeats in 11 away games.
Squad-wise, the visitors are hampered by injuries and suspensions, forcing constant changes and disrupting defensive chemistry. In attack, all hopes rest on the creativity of Berkay Özcan, but without real support it’s tough for him to generate chances. Tomorrow in Trabzon, Karagumruk are likely to adopt a defensive game plan, aiming to kill the tempo and hoping to strike on the counter. Any point gained in the lair of a Turkish giant would be a heroic feat for the Istanbul club’s side.
Match facts and head-to-head stats
- Over 2 goals were scored in nine of Trabzonspor’s last ten matches.
- Both teams scored in eight of Trabzonspor’s last ten games.
- More than two goals were scored in six of Fatih Karagumruk’s last eight matches.
- Both teams scored in six of Fatih Karagumruk’s last eight games.
- Trabzonspor have won 4 of their last 5 meetings against Fatih Karagumruk in all competitions.
- Trabzonspor won the reverse fixture away in a thrilling 4-3 contest.
Probable lineups
- Trabzonspor: Onana – Nwaiwu, Savić, Batagov – Pina, Inao Oulaï, Yokuşlu, Eskihellaç – Muçi, Augusto, Onuachu
- Fatih Karagumruk: Grbić – Esgaio, Biraschi, Lichnovsky, Mladenović – Kranevitter, Elmaz, Özcan – Verde, Warren Babicka, Larsson
Prediction
I believe the gap in class and current form makes the hosts overwhelming favourites. Trabzonspor are medal contenders and simply cannot afford to drop points at home against the league’s bottom side. Given Onuachu’s phenomenal form and the visitors’ defensive woes on the road, a confident home win looks inevitable. My prediction: Trabzonspor victory.
