On March 3, 2025, Gaziantep FK is set to host Eyüpspor at 16:00 at Gaziantep Stadium for the Trendyol Süper Lig's 26th week. The match is eagerly anticipated as both teams vie for important points: Gaziantep aims to steer clear of the relegation zone, and Eyüpspor looks to rebound from recent poor performances.
Gaziantep FK enters the match with 29 points, sitting at the 13th position on the league table. After 23 matches, their record includes 8 victories, 5 draws, and 10 losses. Coach Selçuk İnan's squad is under pressure from their passionate supporters to deliver at home, where they have performed reasonably well with 7 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses across 12 home matches this season.
"Gaziantep FK, this season only has 29 points and sits 13th, they need the win to improve," stated local sports analysts. Their defense has been relatively solid, conceding just 6 goals at home, making them the team with the least goals conceded on their turf. After recent matches, key defenders Semih Güler, Ertuğrul Ersoy, and Arda Kızıldağ will need to tread carefully, as any bookings could see them suspended for the upcoming match against Beşiktaş.
On the opposite side, Eyüpspor, managed by Arda Turan, stands fifth with 40 points from 24 matches, showing a record of 11 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses. Despite their strong positioning, the team has faltered lately, collecting only 1 point across their last three matches—a concern for their morale and momentum heading back to Gaziantep to face the hosts.
Eyüpspor has already made their presence known this season; they previously defeated Gaziantep FK 3-2 during their first encounter, and they will be aiming to replicate their success. This previous victory boosts their confidence for the return matchup, but the pressure is also visible as they must navigate player suspensions and injuries. Last weekend, Robin Yalçın was booked against Beşiktaş and is missing the game, joining teammates Leo Dubois, Melih Kabasakal, Recep Niyaz, Fredrik Midtsjö, and Taşkın İlter, who are also sidelined due to injuries.
Interestingly, four more players on Eyüpspor are walking the tightrope of suspension; Prince Ampem, Halil Akbunar, Emre Akbaba, and Fredrik Midtsjö must avoid yellow cards during the Gaziantep clash to be available for the subsequent fixtures.
The officiation for the match will be handled by referee Alper Akarsu, assisted by Mehmet Emin Tuğral and Gökmen Baltacı, with Ayberk Demirbaş serving as the fourth official. With Gaziantep Stadium expected to be packed with enthusiastic supporters, this match promises to deliver high stakes and intense action.
“Eyüpspor won their first encounter 3-2 against Gaziantep FK this season, seeking to do it again,” highlighted sports commentators, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative of the two teams battling for prominence this season.
The match's importance cannot be overstated; Gaziantep FK is desperate for points to alleviate relegation fears, and Eyüpspor is motivated to revive their earlier form and re-secure their standing among the top teams.
Kickoff is scheduled for 16:00, with fans able to watch the game live on beIN Sports 2. With everything on the line for both teams, it will be fascinating to see which side can rise to the occasion and make their mark, striving for victory to push the scripts of their respective seasons forward.