Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig clash between Fatih Karagumruk and Samsunspor, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Fatih Karagumruk host Samsunspor on the final day of the 2023-24 Turkish Super Lig season at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
The home side were relegated after defeat in their last league outing and will be playing for pride only against the visiting side who are also out of the running for any end-of-season honours.
Match preview
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Fatih Karagumruk’s four-year stay in the top-flight came to an end after a 3-1 loss to Gaziantep at the Gaziantep Stadyumu.
After a goalless first half, the Falcons took the lead through Ertugrul Ersoy two minutes into the second half. Things worsened for Tolunay Kafkas‘s men when Federico Ceccherini received a red card in the 53rd minute.
A glimmer of hope emerged when Marcao equalised for Karagumruk in the 67th minute. However, their dreams of securing another season in the Super Lig were dashed by two late goals from Gaziantep between the 90th minute and stoppage time.
With 37 points from 37 matches and rooted to the bottom of the table in 18th place, Fatih Karagumruk are mathematically relegated. Regardless of their result on the final day, they cannot finish above 17th.
The home side has only faced Samsunspor once before in the top flight, losing 1-0 earlier this season. However, this will be their third meeting this season, having triumphed over Samsunspor in the Turkish Cup.
Samsunspor head into the final match day in 12th place and can no longer finish in the top 10 after drawing 1-1 with Alanyaspor last Saturday.
The Red Lightnings fell behind to an Oguz Aydin goal in the 14th minute but equalised through Marius Mouandilmadji on the hour mark.
While Samsunspor have enjoyed a strong home record this season, winning 10 of their 11 victories at the Samsun 19 May Stadium, they have struggled on the road, picking up just eight points from 18 away matches – the second-worst away record in the Super Lig.
Another major weakness for Samsunspor this season has been their lack of goals. Only the already-relegated Istanbulspor have scored fewer goals than them in the entire division.
Markus Gisdol will hope his side can secure a second away win while also improving their goalscoring record when they travel to face a side preparing for life in the second division.
Fatih Karagumruk Turkish Super Lig form:
Samsunspor Turkish Super Lig form:
Team News
The hosts have everyone available except Ceccherini who was sent off in their last match and is suspended.
Salih Dursun is likely to replace Ceccherini in the XI, pairing Koray Gunter in central defence while Marcao spearheads the attack once again.
The visitors have been without Lubomir Satka for several matches and the situation will remain the same as the defender is recovering from an ankle problem.
Mouandilmadji has scored nine goals for Samsunspor in 30 league matches, and the striker will hope to take it to double figures when he leads the attack on Saturday.
Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:
Sirigu; Biraschi, Dursun, Gunter, Mercan; Rohden, Kourbelis; Yalcin, Eysseric, Keles; Marcao
Samsunspor possible starting lineup:
Kocuk; Yavru, Ozturk, Van Drongelen, Bola; Antalyali, Tait; Muja, Holse, Kilinc; Mouandilmadji
We say: Fatih Karagumruk 1-1 Samsunspor
Karagumruk’s relegation could be a factor in this match, despite Samsunspor’s struggles on the road. The hosts have nothing left to fight for and might not be up for it. However, we expect a close, low-scoring draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.