Rizespor vs Galatasaray: Preview, Prediction, Lineups

In the heart of Turkey's competitive Super Lig, all eyes are on the upcoming showdown between Caykur Rizespor and Galatasaray. Scheduled for February 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Çaykur Didi Stadyumu, this Gameweek 21 fixture pits the league leaders against a mid-table side desperate to halt their slide. As Galatasaray seeks to widen their three-point advantage over rivals Fenerbahce, Rizespor aims to leverage home advantage amid a six-game winless streak. This match isn't just about points—it's a pivotal moment in the title race, especially with Galatasaray's Champions League playoff against Juventus looming.

Match Preview: Galatasaray's Momentum vs. Rizespor's Struggles

Galatasaray enters this encounter riding high after a strong response to an early-year stumble. Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Gaziantep that briefly opened the door for Fenerbahce, Okan Buruk's men have roared back with convincing victories: a 3-1 thrashing of Fatih Karagumruk and a dominant 4-0 dismantling of Kayserispor. These wins against the league's bottom feeders have restored their three-point lead at the top, bolstered by a superior goal difference. Buruk remains cautious, knowing tougher tests await, but this result against Rizespor could cement their authority before the international break and European commitments.

Defensively, however, cracks persist. Since the turn of the year, Galatasaray has managed just one clean sheet in nine outings—the aforementioned Kayserispor blank. Their attack, spearheaded by stars like Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi, remains lethal, but shoring up the backline will be crucial against a Rizespor side that, while leaky, can still pose threats at home.

On the flip side, Caykur Rizespor is mired in a rut under Recep Ucar. The Black Sea club hasn't tasted victory in any competition since a 5-2 demolition of Gaziantep on December 17, enduring six straight draws and losses. Their latest Super Lig outing was a gritty 2-2 stalemate at sixth-placed Istanbul Basaksehir, showing flickers of resilience. In the Turkish Cup, they scraped a 1-1 draw against third-tier Beyoglu Yeni Carsi, advancing on penalties but highlighting ongoing struggles to convert chances at the Rize City Stadium.

Home form tells a stark story: just 10 goals in 10 Super Lig games at Çaykur Didi Stadyumu this season. Seven games without a clean sheet underline their defensive woes, making this a daunting task against Galatasaray's firepower. Yet, Rizespor's recent point against Basaksehir suggests they might summon the belief needed to frustrate the champions.

Recent Form Guide

• Caykur Rizespor (Super Lig): D W L L D D
• Caykur Rizespor (All Comps): L L L D D D
• Galatasaray (Super Lig): W W W D W W
• Galatasaray (All Comps): D D W L W W

Galatasaray's consistency shines through, while Rizespor's inability to string wins together has them anchored in 12th place, far from the European spots they once eyed.

Team News: Injuries, Bans, and Key Returns

Rizespor's squad selection should see minimal tweaks after widespread rotation in their midweek Turkish Cup tie. Ucar is likely to field a familiar lineup from the Basaksehir draw, with Valentin Mihaila expected to hold his spot on the wing despite an unusual central midfield stint last time out—where he bagged his third goal of the season. The Romanian's versatility could be key in unlocking Galatasaray's defense.

New signing Adedire Mebude impressed with a start in the Cup but may return to the bench, as Ucar prioritizes experience. Up top, Jonatan Braut Bruma's side will rely on the pace of Poko Olawoyin and the finishing of Sabih Sowe to test Muslera in goal.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, navigates several hurdles. Midfield enforcer Mario Lemina sits out a one-match ban due to accumulated yellows, opening the door for Kaan Ayhan to potentially earn a rare league start after featuring in the Cup. Leroy Sane remains sidelined with ligament damage, missing a third straight game, but reinforcements arrive: Sacha Boey and Renato Nhaga could bolster the squad following their recent transfers.

Attack remains a strength, with Noa Lang poised to start on the left and Victor Osimhen leading the line. Mauro Icardi and Ahmed Kutucu, who scored in the Cup, provide depth, ensuring Buruk's options stay potent despite the absences.

Predicted Lineups

Caykur Rizespor (4-2-3-1): Canpolat; Sahin, Mosci, Akaydin, Hojer; Antalyali, Laci; Olawoyin, Mihaila, Zeqiri; Sowe

Galatasaray (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Elmali; Ayhan, Torreira; Akgun, Sara, Lang; Osimhen

Head-to-Head and Tactical Insights

Historically, Galatasaray holds the edge in this fixture, winning the last three encounters without conceding. Rizespor's home resilience could make it closer, but their low-scoring games at Çaykur Didi suggest a cagey affair unless Galatasaray exploits transitions.

Tactically, expect Buruk to dominate possession, using Torreira's tenacity in midfield to feed Osimhen's runs. Ucar may counter with a compact block, relying on Mihaila's creativity for set-piece threats. Weather in Rize—often rainy and windy—could add unpredictability, favoring the hosts' physicality.

Prediction: Rizespor 1-3 Galatasaray

Despite Rizespor's budding belief from recent draws, Galatasaray's superior quality and momentum should prevail. The visitors may concede once—perhaps from a Mihaila special—but Osimhen and Lang are tipped to shine, securing a comfortable away win. This result would propel Galatasaray toward an unbeaten run and keep Fenerbahce at bay in the title chase.

As the Super Lig heats up, this clash underscores why Galatasaray remains the team to beat. Fans in the US tuning in via streaming services can catch the action live, with kickoff at 7:00 AM ET. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for post-match analysis and more Turkish football coverage.