Caykur Rizespor v Gaziantep: mid-table neighbours eye breathing space | OneFootball

Caykur Rizespor host Gaziantep in the Süper Lig on Monday, 13 April 2026 in Rize, with one point between the sides and a chance to pull further clear of the relegation scrap.

Caykur Rizespor have recent encouragement in this match-up, hitting five past Gaziantep in December's Türkiye Kupasi tie at home after a 2-2 league draw in November. The hosts also come in off a 4-1 win over Samsunspor and have eight clean sheets this league season.

Form is mixed for both. Caykur Rizespor have won three of their last five in all competitions, while Gaziantep have drawn with Alanyaspor and Fatih Karagümrük, beaten Antalyaspor 4-1 away, and suffered heavy defeats to Fenerbahçe in league and cup.

Availability could shape the back lines. Caykur Rizespor are without suspended left-back Casper Hojer and injured centre-back Husniddin Aliqulov. Gaziantep list defender Salem M'Bakata, midfielder Ogün Özçiçek and forward Ali Ablak as injured.

On the pitch, Gaziantep's main threat is Mohamed Bayo, who sits among the league's leading scorers with 12 goals, supported by creators Alexandru Maxim and Drissa Camara. Caykur Rizespor's supply line runs through Qazim Laci, who has eight assists. Season profiles point to fine margins: both have scored 37, but Gaziantep have conceded 47 to Caykur Rizespor's 39. The hosts also deliver frequent open-play crosses with 20.77% accuracy, which could probe Gaziantep's defence. From the spot, Caykur Rizespor are perfect at 100.0%, while Gaziantep's rate stands at 66.7%.

In the table, Gaziantep are 10th on 34 points and Caykur Rizespor 12th on 33. A win for either could nudge them into the top half and, more importantly, create daylight to the relegation places.