Kocaelispor v Fatih Karagümrük: mid-table aims meet survival fight | OneFootball

Kocaelispor host Fatih Karagümrük in the Süper Lig on Saturday, 9 May 2026, in Kocaeli, with the hosts looking to firm up a mid-table spot and the visitors trying to keep their survival bid alive.

Recent meetings have been tight. Three of the last five ended level, including a 1-1 draw in December's league game. That pattern hints at a cautious opening before the game loosens.

Kocaelispor arrive on a run of draws punctuated by a narrow defeat and a point last time out at Kasımpaşa. Fatih Karagümrük have shown flickers of recovery, beating Gençlerbirliği most recently and taking a draw at Beşiktaş either side of setbacks against Konyaspor and Eyüpspor.

Team news could shape the balance. Kocaelispor list Mateusz Wieteska and Botond Balogh out in defence along with goalkeeper Aleksandar Jovanovic, which may test their reshuffled back line. Fatih Karagümrük, meanwhile, are without forwards Joao Camacho, Ahmet Sivri and Abdul Kone, trimming their attacking options.

Season trends point to the routes to goal. Kocaelispor have been low scoring with 26 goals but relatively organised, posting 10 clean sheets and 49% possession with 79.55% pass accuracy. Fatih Karagümrük have conceded 53, suggesting space may appear if Kocaelispor sustain pressure, though the visitors' shot accuracy of 42.11% means they can punish lapses. Bruno Petković has seven league goals for the hosts, while Sérgio António de Luiz Junior leads the visitors with eight.

In the table picture, Kocaelispor sit 10th and a win could strengthen their top half foothold. Fatih Karagümrük are 18th in the relegation zone and a positive result may cut the gap to safety and keep their escape bid alive.