Still licking the wounds of a heartbreaking Turkish Cup final, Trabzonspor host Ankaragücü in the 38th round of the Turkish Süper Lig on Sunday (May 26). Emre Belozoglu’s side travel to Papara Park knowing that a draw would secure their top-flight status for another season.
Trabzonspor’s dreams of a 10th Turkish Cup victory ended in disappointment on Thursday when they lost 3-2 to Besiktas in the final. Abdullah Avci’s side had won three games in a row, including two consecutive league victories against Istanbulspor and Istanbul Basaksehir.
With 64 points from 37 games, Trabzonspor is in third place in the Süper Lig table, six points ahead of fourth-placed Istanbul Basaksehir.
Ankaragücü, on the other hand, failed to escape the relegation zone last time out, having to struggle to a goalless draw with Pendikspor last time out. Belozoglu’s side are now seven games without a win, losing three, in all competitions since a 3-1 victory over Gaziantep in April.
With 40 points from 37 games, Ankaragücü is in 16th place in the league before the season finale and is two points ahead of the relegation zone.
Trabzonspor vs. Ankaragücü – direct comparison
With 22 wins from the last 34 matches, Trabzonspor were dominant in this match. Ankaragücü was able to record four wins in this period.
Trabzonspor Form Guide: OHHHHH
Ankaragücü form table: DLLDD
Trabzonspor vs. Ankaragucu Team News
Trabzonspor
Trezeguet and Huseyin Turkmen are out due to thigh and hamstring injuries respectively. Ugurcan Cakir and Batista Mendy are suspended.
Injured: Trezeguet, Huseyin Turkmen
Exposed: Ugurcan Cakir, Batista Mendy
Ankaragucu
The visitors will be without Olimpiu Morutan and Alper Uludag, who are recovering from injuries, while Pedrinho is suspended.
Injured: Olimpiu Morutan, Alper Uludag
Exposed: Peter
Expected lineups for Trabzonspor vs Ankaragücü
Trabzonspor (4-1-4-1): Muhammet Taha Tepe; Thomas Meunier, Rayyan Baniya, Stefano Denswil, Evren Eren Elmali; Umut Gunes; Edin Visca, Berat Ayberk Ozdemir, Enis Bardhi, Taxiarchis Fountas; Paul Onuachu
Ankaragucu (4-1-4-1): Bahadir Gungordu; Stelios Kitsiou, Uros Radakovic, Nihad Mujakic, Kazimcan Karatas; Tolga Cigerci; Christian Bassogog, Efkan Bekiroglu, Ali Kaan Guneren, Garry Mendes Rodrigues; Ali Sowe
Trabzonspor vs Ankaragucu Prediction
After losing the cup final, Trabzonspor will be looking to regain their pride and end the season on a winning note. Ankaragücü need a draw on Sunday to secure top-flight status for another season, and they should do just enough to secure a share of the spoils.
forecast: Trabzonspor 1-1 Ankaragucu
