Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The Turkish Cup final will see Trabzonspor go head-to-head with Galatasaray. The showdown is set for Gaziantep on Wednesday, May 14, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 Central European Time. I'm offering a bet on the winner of this match.
Match preview
Since lifting the Turkish Super Lig trophy in 2022, Trabzonspor have been without silverware and now have a golden opportunity to claim a title in a campaign that has been far from stellar. In the past two seasons, the team finished sixth and third in the league, but this year, they are likely to end up even lower.
With three rounds left, Fatih Tekke’s men sit only eighth in the table, already out of the race for medals or European qualification. At best, they can hope for fifth place, but a finish around tenth is also a real possibility.
During the winter transfer window, Trabzonspor made several intriguing signings, most notably bringing in Oleksandr Zubkov from Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukrainian international winger immediately settled in and has often taken on a leadership role, already netting 7 goals.
The Turkish Cup remains a great chance to salvage a disappointing season, and Trabzonspor have reached the final without facing any top clubs in the playoffs — dispatching Bodrumspor and Goztepe in succession. Now, in the decisive battle, they face the country's most dominant club in recent years.
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Galatasaray continue to dominate the Super Lig and are on the brink of a third consecutive league title. However, they haven't won the Turkish Cup since 2019 and haven’t even played in a final since then.
This season, Turkey’s most decorated club is within touching distance of a domestic double and are deservedly in contention for both major trophies. In the quarterfinals, the “Lions” knocked out Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, then brushed aside Konyaspor in the semifinals.
In their most recent Super Lig encounter, Trabzonspor and Galatasaray had a dress rehearsal for the final. Okan Buruk’s side looked far stronger and confidently secured victory thanks to goals from Bardakci and Morata.
This week, Galatasaray could clinch both the Super Lig and the Turkish Cup. First, they need to overcome Trabzonspor, then take on Kayserispor. Notably, after these matches, their domestic trophy count could surpass 60.
Match facts
- Trabzonspor are winless in their last two matches.
- The Trabzon club has failed to score in only one of their last 11 games.
- Galatasaray are on a seven-match winning streak.
- Galatasaray have scored 16 goals in their last four matches.
- Trabzonspor average 1.7 goals per game, while Galatasaray average 2.5 goals per game.
Probable lineups
- Trabzonspor: Cakir, Eskihallaç, Batagov, Yokuslu, Malheiro, Mendy, Lundstram, Sikan, Visca, Zubkov, Banza.
- Galatasaray: Muslera, Szalai, Bardakci, Sanchez, Jakobs, Torreira, Mertens, Lemina, Yilmaz, Akgun, Osimhen.
H2H
- Galatasaray have come out on top in the last five head-to-head meetings between these sides.
- Trabzonspor have beaten Galatasaray only once in the past six years.
Prediction
Bookmakers see Buruk’s side as clear favorites, and rightly so. Galatasaray have dominated the domestic scene in recent years, leaving little hope for their rivals. Trabzonspor face a tough challenge, but this is the Cup, where anything is possible. Still, I believe the Istanbul giants will approach this match with the right mindset and add another trophy to their collection. My pick — the nominal visitors to win in regulation time.
