Trabzonspor vs Rizespor: prediction, head-to-head and probable line-ups – 14 March 2026
One of the highlight fixtures of this round in the Turkish championship will take place on Saturday in Trabzon at the Papara Park, where Trabzonspor will host Rizespor. Both teams come into this clash riding winning streaks, but the stakes are much higher for the hosts—they’re still clinging to hopes of staying in the title race and simply cannot afford to drop points at home. Here’s my pick for the outcome of this showdown.
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Match preview
Trabzonspor enter this match in tremendous form, looking every bit like a team that has found their rhythm at the decisive stage of the season. Their 3-1 win over Kayserispor was their fourth victory in the last five rounds, and across all competitions, they are currently on a streak of four straight wins – steadily reclaiming their reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous outfits.
The standout figure in this run is undoubtedly Onuachu. The Nigerian striker has found the net in seven consecutive Super Lig matches and in nine straight games in all competitions. His impact on Trabzonspor’s attacking output has been massive; with a striker this hot, any opponent knows they’re in for a major challenge.
Rizespor, however, are no pushovers – and that’s where the extra intrigue lies in this encounter. After a rough winter stretch, the visitors have come alive, stringing together three wins on the bounce in the league, dispatching Kocaelispor 2-0, Kasımpaşa 3-0, and Antalyaspor 1-0. Along with the results has come a rare run of defensive solidity for them.
Yet, this away trip to Trabzon will be the real test of just how serious their resurgence is. Rizespor will be missing key playmaker Lachi, and without him, their attacking structure could become too predictable. What’s more, their backline will now be up against one of the most prolific attacking teams in the league – a level of pressure they haven’t faced in recent rounds.
Probable line-ups
- Trabzonspor: Onana, Pina, Batagov, Savic, Eskihellac, Inao Oulai, Tufan, Zubkov, Muchi, F. Augusto, Onuachu
- Çaykur Rizespor: Fofana, Pala, Sanyang, Akaydin, Højer, Antalyalı, Mihaila, Bulut, Olawoyin, Mebude, Sow
Match facts and head-to-head
- Trabzonspor have won the last three meetings with Rizespor in all competitions.
- The hosts have scored at least two goals in each of their last seven matches.
- Rizespor arrive on the back of three consecutive clean-sheet victories in the league.
Prediction
This match is shaping up to be a tougher test for the home side than it might have seemed a few weeks ago, since Rizespor have tightened up and stopped dropping points so easily. Still, Trabzonspor’s current form, their home advantage, and Onuachu’s red-hot streak make the hosts clear favorites – they should have enough to break down even a well-organized and determined opponent. The visitors will likely put up a fight and won’t collapse early, especially given their recent defensive performances. However, over the course of 90 minutes, the attacking firepower of Trabzonspor should prove decisive.
