"Starting with the hosts, last seen heading into the winter interval with a rugged 2-0 victory at home against Samsunspor, Goztepe have certainly cemented their spot as one of Turkey's ultimate surprise packages this season. Rightfully receiving a string of plaudits from across the country, Stanimir Stoliov's side open Monday's return scrapping it out in the European spots. Including a 1-0 win away at Gaziantep last month."
"As for the visitors, while Rizespor might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign with their sights set on clinching another top-half finish among Turkey's elite, Recap Ucar's men have shown some glaring inconsistencies this season. Marking their return from the winter break with a toothless 2-0 Turkish Cup defeat away at Ezrurumspor, Monday's guests almost find themselves sat in Super Lig limbo."
"Likewise, looking to get 2026 underway with another statement of intent, Goztepe have also lost just one of their last seven showdowns against top-flight opposition - a purple patch that stems back to October 26th. Smelling a real opportunity to extend on their European charge on Monday evening and pencilled in as a standout contender here, it should also be highlighted that Stoliov's men have suffered just a sole Super Lig defeat in front of their own supporters so far this season."
Goztepe return from the winter break to host Rizespor at the Gurel Aksel Stadium with strong recent form, including a 2-0 win over Samsunspor and a 1-0 victory at Gaziantep. Stanimir Stoliov's side have won three of their last four Super Lig matches, lost only one of seven recent top-flight meetings, and endured a single home league defeat this season, placing them in and around European contention. Rizespor have been inconsistent, suffering a 2-0 Turkish Cup loss at Erzurumspor and a 1-0 league defeat to Besiktas, with only one away top-flight win this season and concerns over road form.
Read at Soccer News
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