Preview: Konyaspor vs. Trabzonspor

Sports Mole previews Wednesday’s Turkish Super Lig clash between Konyaspor and Trabzonspor, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Konyaspor will welcome Trabzonspor to Torku Arena on Wednesday evening in a clash between both sides at opposite ends of the Turkish Super Lig table.

The hosts are two points ahead of the relegation zone, while the visitors are in third place, aiming to secure Europa League qualification.

Match preview
© Reuters

Konyaspor were held to a 1-1 draw by Fatih Karagumruk at the Vefa Stadi, leaving them in 16th place with eight games remaining this season.

Alassane Ndao gave the Anatolian Eagles the lead two minutes before half time, but they could not hold on for the win as Guven Yalcin restored parity for Karagumruk with five minutes left in regulation time.

Fahrudin Omerovic, who joined Konya in January as their third manager of the season, brought some improvement, helping them climb out of the relegation zone. However, they are still in the relegation mix and are in danger of seeing their 11-year stay in the Super Lig come to an end.

The Anatolian Eagles are unbeaten in their last four matches, winning two and drawing the last two. Omerovic will hope his side can turn these draws into wins, having lost their lead late in those games.

Konyaspor are unbeaten in their last three home games against Wednesday’s opponents, drawing two and winning the last one – a run they will hope to extend against a high-quality opponent.

Trabzonspor lost 3-2 to Fenerbahce before the international break in a match marred by clashes between the home supporters and the opposition players.

The Black Sea Storm were two goals down by half time as Fred had found the net twice for Fener, but they fought back in the second half. Enis Bardhi scored in the 63rd minute and Trezeguet converted a penalty in the 78th minute to level the game.

However, they could not hold on for a point as Michy Batshuayi grabbed a goal in the 87th minute to hand Fener the win and inflict Trabzonspor’s 11th defeat of the league season.

The post-match scenes were disgraceful as Trabzonspor fans stormed the pitch to confront Fenerbahce’s players celebrating the win. The players defended themselves before a large number of security personnel intervened and stopped the attack.

The Turkish Football Federation issued a statement after the game, insisting that those responsible will be brought to justice. However, there have been no further announcements about this incident.

Despite the defeat, the Black Sea Storm maintained their three and six-point leads over fourth-placed Besiktas and fifth-placed Kasimpasa as both teams also lost their respective games.

With eight games left to play, Trabzonspor’s goal will be to hold onto their Europa League spot. They are the third-best team on the road, but their last away game ended in a 3-1 defeat to Alanyaspor – a result they will look to improve on come Wednesday.

Konyaspor Turkish Super Lig form:

Trabzonspor Turkish Super Lig form:

Team News
© Reuters

Konyaspor could remain without Adil Demirbag as he has to pass a late fitness test to feature in the game due to a muscle injury.

Sokol Cikalleshi, who has scored 11 league goals this season, should lead the line again, with Alexandru Cicaldau providing support behind the striker.

Trabzonspor will remain without leading scorer Paul Onuachu also remains sidelined with a broken foot.

This could see Nicolas Pepe spearhead the attack again as Enis Destan is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.

Mislav Orsic, who has been out with an ACL injury for long, returned to the squad last time out and could feature in the game at some point.

Konyaspor possible starting lineup:
Slowik; Yazgli, Damjanovic, Hadebe, Sitya; N’Zonzi; Ndao, Dikmen, Malli, Ethemi; Cikalleshi

Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:
Cakir; Meunier, Baniya, Denswil, Elmali; Mendy, Ozdemir; Bardhi, Visca, Trezeguet; Pepe

We say: Konyaspor 1-1 Trabzonspor
Trabzonspor have been poor on the road in recent times, losing three of their last four away games, while winning just one. Konyaspor have proved to be a hard nut to crack for the visitors in recent meetings at Torku Arena and we think this will be the case again on Wednesday.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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