Rizespor vs Gaziantep FK Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Tips, 2026-04-13 19:00:00
This Super Lig encounter between Rizespor and Gaziantep FK is scheduled for Round 29, taking place at Çaykur Didi Stadyumu on the 13th of April, 2026. The clash sees Rizespor currently in 10th place in the league, just a spot beneath their opponents Gaziantep FK, who sit in 9th position. Rizespor’s top scorer, Valentin Mihaila, has hit the back of the net five times, while Mohamed Bayo leads for Gaziantep with a formidable 12 goals this season.
In terms of form, Rizespor’s recent results include two wins and three losses, scoring nine and conceding eight goals in their last five outings. Gaziantep, on the other hand, have drawn twice, lost twice, and won just once, with seven goals scored and 11 conceded, failing to keep any clean sheets in their last five matches. Historically, Rizespor holds a slight advantage, winning four of their last five head-to-head clashes with Gaziantep, including a notable 5-2 win back in December 2025.
Both teams will be performing under the lights at the Çaykur Didi Stadyumu, which accommodates up to 15,485 fans. Rizespor face some defensive concerns, having kept only three clean sheets across their last five games. Gaziantep FK, boasting a strong attack, aims to capitalize on Rizespor’s defensive inconsistency.
Rizespor vs Gaziantep FK Prediction & Betting Tip
This fixture looks set to be a close contest with both teams eager to surge forward in the Super Lig standings. Gaziantep FK has the edge in league positioning and is eager to use its robust attacking capability, led by top scorer Mohamed Bayo, who has already scored 12 this campaign. Rizespor, however, struggles at the back, leaking eight goals from their last five matchups. This could well be an opportunity for Gaziantep’s forwards to shine.
While Rizespor took victory in their last head-to-head meeting back in December, this previous success might spur Gaziantep to seek revenge and show more resolve this time around. Despite frequently leaving gaps in defense, Gaziantep should look to be pressing forward, potentially exposing themselves in the process. Betting on “Draw No Bet” for Gaziantep FK might be a smart strategy, minimizing risk if the game becomes a high-scoring drama.
Predicted scoreline: Rizespor 1–2 Gaziantep FK
| Recommended Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Gaziantep FK to win (Draw No Bet) | 2.41 |
Rizespor vs Gaziantep FK Odds
The odds suggest a tightly contested battle, with Gaziantep FK slightly favored at 2.41 odds in the Draw No Bet market. With no outright favorite, the matchup is predicted to be evenly matched in terms of dynamics. Both teams have recently played in matches where both sides found the net. Rizespor has managed to score in nine of their last five games, and Gaziantep’s defensive slips point to a potential goal-fest.
The historical stats favor the over 2.5 goals market as recent encounters between these squads average 4.2 goals per match. Considering both defenses appear vulnerable, the odds for over 2.5 goals appear to be a plausible wager.
| Market | Selection | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Match Result (Draw No Bet) | Gaziantep FK | 2.41 |
Home Team Analysis
Rizespor Recent Performance
Rizespor’s recent outings have been a mixed bag. They picked up two wins out of five games, such as an emphatic 4-1 triumph over Samsunspor. However, they’ve also suffered narrow defeats to Karagümrük and Trabzonspor. Consistency has been an issue.
| Date | Competition | Home team | Score | Away team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 9, 2026 | Super Lig | Rizespor | 4-1 | Samsunspor |
| April 5, 2026 | Super Lig | Karagümrük | 1-2 | Rizespor |
| March 14, 2026 | Super Lig | Trabzonspor | 1-0 | Rizespor |
| March 8, 2026 | Super Lig | Rizespor | 1-0 | Antalyaspor |
| March 4, 2026 | Cup Grp. C | Besiktas | 4-1 | Rizespor |
Over these five matches, Rizespor has experienced highs and lows with two victories and three losses. Notably, they secured a solid home win (4-1) over Samsunspor on April 9, only to see their defense crumble against Besiktas in a cup game, ending in a 4-1 defeat. The close losses to Trabzonspor and Karagümrük showcase the team’s ongoing battles with consistency. They managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five games, scoring an average of 1.8 goals but conceding 1.6.
Rizespor Key Players
Key to Rizespor’s fortunes are several standout players. Valentin Mihaila remains the main threat upfront and is the top scorer with five league goals. Ali Sowe brings vital experience to their attacking line. In midfield, Loide Augusto and Ibrahim Olawoyin are pivotal for creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Taylan Antalyali plays a crucial role in midfield as a deep-lying playmaker, orchestrating moves between defense and attack. Defensively, the pressure is on center-backs Modibo Sagnan and Attila Mocsi to deliver a solid performance against a strong Gaziantep attack.
| Player | Role | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Valentin Mihaila | Forward | Top scorer, focal in attack |
| Ali Sowe | Forward | Experienced attack leader |
| Loide Augusto | Midfield | Supplies attacking passes |
| Taylan Antalyali | Midfield | Orchestrates playmaking |
| Yahia Fofana | Goalkeeper | Key player with 2 clean sheets |
| Modibo Sagnan | Defense | Center-back stability |
| Ibrahim Olawoyin | Midfield | Assists play in wide areas |
| Qazim Laci | Midfield | Midfield energy |
Rizespor Suspensions & Injuries
Rizespor faces a few challenges with player availability that might impact their squad strategy. Significant injuries and suspensions could disrupt the team.
| Player | Issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Khusniddin Alikulov | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Adedire Mebude | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Altin Zeqiri | Thigh injury | Available early May 2026 |
| Casper Højer Nielsen | Suspension (Yellow cards) | Serving 1-match ban |
The long-term absence of Alikulov weakens their midfield depth. Mebude’s status as doubtful might lead to fewer wing options, and Zeqiri’s potential return in early May rules him out for this fixture. Højer Nielsen’s suspension deprives the defense of valuable presence.
Rizespor Tactics and Formation
Under the direction of Recep Ucar, Rizespor is likely to employ a 4-2-3-1 setup. This formation positions Valentin Mihaila as the leading striker, supported by Loide Augusto and Ibrahim Olawoyin on the wings. In midfield, Taylan Antalyali and Qazim Laci will manage the game’s tempo, linking defense with attack.
Defensively, given notable absences, center-back duo Modibo Sagnan and Attila Mocsi must organize the backline efficiently. The team is expected to apply high-pressing tactics, aiming to disrupt Gaziantep’s rhythm through ball control and quick transitions.
Away Team Analysis
Gaziantep FK Recent Performance
Gaziantep FK’s form has been patchy, showing both resilience and areas for improvement. Their sole convincing win came against Antalyaspor, but heavy defeats by Fenerbahce indicate some defensive weaknesses.
| Date | Competition | Home team | Score | Away team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 4, 2026 | Super Lig | Gaziantep FK | 1-1 | Alanyaspor |
| March 17, 2026 | Super Lig | Fenerbahce | 4-1 | Gaziantep FK |
| March 13, 2026 | Super Lig | Antalyaspor | 1-4 | Gaziantep FK |
| March 8, 2026 | Super Lig | Gaziantep FK | 1-1 | Karagümrük |
| March 4, 2026 | Cup Grp. C | Gaziantep FK | 0-4 | Fenerbahce |
Their record consists of one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Gaziantep impressed with a 4-1 away win at Antalyaspor. However, two 1-1 draws at home show resilience but lack a killer edge. Heavy losses to Fenerbahce highlight their inconsistency with little defensive fortitude, yielding 11 goals while scoring only seven. They have not kept a clean sheet in any of the last five matches, yet both teams have scored in four of those matches.
Gaziantep FK Key Players
Central to Gaziantep’s game plan is their forward prowess, notably Mohamed Bayo, the leading scorer with 12 goals. Supporting him, Alexandru Maxim offers creative potential, with a knack for impactful set-pieces.
Midfield energy will be vital, with players like Kacper Kozlowski and Drissa Camara driving the tempo from box to box. Defensively, Zafer Gorgen stands as the last line of assurance, with Sangare and Kizildag providing support from the back.
| Player | Role | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Bayo | Forward | Leading scorer, offensive threat |
| Alexandru Maxim | Midfield/Forward | Key playmaker, set-pieces |
| Kacper Kozlowski | Midfielder | Drives forward transitions |
| Drissa Camara | Midfielder | Box-to-box energy |
| Luis Perez | Midfield | Experienced playmaking |
| Zafer Gorgen | Goalkeeper | Manages defensive solidity |
| Nazim Sangare | Defense | Full-back supporting attack |
| Tayyib Sanuc | Defense | Center-back anchoring team |
Gaziantep FK Suspensions & Injuries
Gaziantep FK is dealing with some injuries though suspensions are not currently troubling them.
| Player | Issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Salem M’Bakata | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Ali Mevran Ablak | Cruciate ligament injury | Expected late April 2026 |
| Ogün Özcicek | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
M’Bakata’s long-term injury weakens their defense. Ablak’s impending return in late April means he’ll miss this game. Özcicek being doubtful could impact their midfield options.
Gaziantep FK Tactics and Formation
Under Burak Yilmaz’s leadership, Gaziantep may operate in a 4-4-2 formation to strike a balance between defense and offense. This system capitalizes on Mohamed Bayo’s and Alexandru Maxim’s attacking potential.
They might utilize wing players such as Christopher Lungoyi and Drissa Camara to stretch the field and generate crossing chances. The double pivot duo of Luis Perez and Kacper Kozlowski will aim to control the midfield’s tempo, conducting passes and aiding transitions from defense to attack.
Rizespor vs Gaziantep FK Head-to-Head Statistics
In recent meetings, Rizespor has enjoyed a clear advantage over Gaziantep, winning four of the last five encounters. Their most recent fixture was a dominant 5-2 win, underscoring Rizespor’s strength in this matchup.
| Date | Competition | Home team | Score | Away team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 17, 2025 | Cup Grp. C | Rizespor | 5-2 | Gaziantep FK |
| November 8, 2025 | Super Lig | Gaziantep FK | 2-2 | Rizespor |
| May 3, 2025 | Super Lig | Rizespor | 2-0 | Gaziantep FK |
| December 9, 2024 | Super Lig | Gaziantep FK | 1-0 | Rizespor |
| March 17, 2024 | Super Lig | Rizespor | 3-1 | Gaziantep FK |
Rizespor claimed victory in four of the recent five meetings. The high-scoring game in December 2025 concluded with a 5-2 score, favoring Rizespor, which showcases their ability to outplay Gaziantep’s defense. Gaziantep has only one win from December 2024 with a 1-0 result. With two draws thrown into the mix, Rizespor scored 17 goals and conceded six in these five encounters, hinting at open matches where both teams find the net. Rizespor may have a psychological edge given their substantial win in recent Cup play.
Venue and Weather
Taking place at the Çaykur Didi Stadyumu in Rize, this Super Lig fixture offers Rizespor the home field advantage. The stadium, supportive with a capacity of 15,485, could be crucial in spurring Rizespor to aspire for victory in this vital clash. Typical April weather in Rize ranges between 10°C and 15°C, with possibly mild rain and moderate wind, conditions that might challenge aerial efforts and set-piece strategies. Adapting to potentially slippery conditions will be key for success as both outfits strive to impose their will on what promises to be an exciting night of Turkish football.
