Who will come out on top in the Black Sea derby? Turkish Championship match prediction: Rizespor - Trabzonspor
On Monday, October 26, 2026, at 17:00 CET, Çaykur Didi Stadium in Rize will host a Turkish Super Lig Round 9 clash as Rizespor welcome Trabzonspor.
Black Sea derbies are traditionally packed with intense physical battles, sky-high emotions and fierce rivalry. Trabzonspor are fighting to return to the league’s leading pack, while Rizespor will be counting on home advantage to end their difficult run in this fixture.
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Trabzonspor currently hold a commanding historical advantage, with 14 wins compared to just 5 victories for Rizespor in their last 21 head-to-head meetings. The “Bordeaux-and-blues” have won their last four competitive matches against Rizespor in all tournaments (1:0, 2:1, 2:0, 5:2).
Rizespor
The hosts build their game around quick transitions out of defence and aggressive runs down the flanks. The main threat comes from Romanian winger Valentin Mihăilă and Nigerian attacker Ibrahim Olawoyin, who supply Gambian forward Ali Sowe with service.
The partnership of Taylan Antalyalı and Qazim Laci provides sufficient solidity in midfield. Nevertheless, against the organized positional pressing of top opponents, the “Hawks” regularly struggle in the defensive midfield zone, allowing dangerous shots from distance.
Trabzonspor
The “Bordeaux-and-blues” boast a strong squad. Their main attacking spearhead is Guinea-Bissau forward Franculino Djú. Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah, Ernest Muçi and Aral Şimşir provide creativity in the final third, while Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu anchors the back line.
Away from home, German coach Thomas Reis’s team play in a more pragmatic fashion, prioritizing control of the tempo and minimizing risks in their own half.
Probable lineups
- Rizespor: Fofana - Pala, Bakayoko, Sagnan, Ariss - Antalyalı, Olawoyin, Laci - Mebude, Mihǎilǎ, Sowe
- Trabzonspor: Onana - Pina, Nwaiwu, Özkaçar, Lopes Cabral - Tufan, Fabinho, Muçi - Salah, Şimşir, Djú
Prediction
Trabzonspor’s psychological edge in the derby and their four-match winning streak in this fixture make backing the “Bordeaux-and-blues” a compelling choice. My prediction is a Trabzonspor win.
