Kepez Belediyespor vs Sanliurfaspor on 24 January
On January 24, two teams with high stakes in the Turkish League 2 will face off at the Atatürk Stadium in Kepez, as Kepez Belediyespor welcomes Sanliurfaspor. Both clubs find themselves in a critical juncture of the season, with points vital for their ambitions—Kepez aiming to break into the upper half of the table, and Sanliurfaspor battling to avoid relegation. The match promises to be a tense tactical battle, with both sides showcasing distinct playing styles. The weather forecast suggests mild conditions, which should provide favorable playing conditions for both teams.
Kepez Belediyespor: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Kepez Belediyespor has been in solid form over their last five games, securing three wins, one draw, and one loss. Their tactical approach focuses on a compact defensive shape, with quick transitions to exploit counter-attacks. They often sit deep in their own half, allowing their opponents possession before springing into action on the break. With an average of 1.2 goals per game in recent fixtures, they rely heavily on their wingers to stretch opposition defenses and create space for their central striker to pounce. Their xG (expected goals) stands at 1.3 per match, highlighting their efficiency in attack despite lower possession (averaging just 45% possession in the last five games).
Key players for Kepez include their star winger, Ahmet Yıldız, who has been involved in 60% of the team’s goals in recent games, either scoring or providing assists. However, they will be without their key playmaker, Mertcan Özdemir, due to a suspension, which could disrupt their fluid attacking play. The midfield will likely be anchored by the combative Gökhan Çelik, who offers a physical presence in both defensive and offensive phases.
Sanliurfaspor: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Sanliurfaspor enters this match in poor form, with just one win and four losses in their last five outings. Their style is more direct, favoring a long-ball approach to bypass the midfield and target their tall striker, Serdar Ekinci, who has been their primary goal threat. Despite an xG of 1.0, their efficiency in front of goal has been poor, and they often struggle to maintain possession in midfield. In recent games, they have averaged only 42% possession, as they prefer to defend in a 4-4-2 formation and look for quick transitions when possession is regained. Their pressing game has been inconsistent, with only 11% of their defensive actions taking place in the opposition's third, indicating a more passive defensive approach.
The fitness of Ekinci will be key in this match, as he is the focal point of most of their offensive movements. However, the absence of their creative midfielder, Ahmet Tunc, who is sidelined due to injury, will be a major blow to their ability to transition smoothly from defense to attack. The team's defense, particularly full-back Serdar Demir, will also need to be on high alert to deal with Kepez’s pace on the wings.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In the last five meetings between Kepez Belediyespor and Sanliurfaspor, there has been a clear dominance from Kepez, who have won four of the encounters, with Sanliurfaspor managing only one draw. The nature of these games has often seen Kepez’s counter-attacking style overpower Sanliurfaspor’s direct approach, with Kepez taking advantage of Sanliurfaspor’s defensive fragility. In the most recent encounter, Kepez triumphed 3-1, with Sanliurfaspor struggling to cope with the pace and width of Kepez’s attacking play. Historically, Kepez’s disciplined defensive structure has proved difficult for Sanliurfaspor to break down.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One key battle will be between Kepez’s winger, Ahmet Yıldız, and Sanliurfaspor’s right-back, Serdar Demir. Yıldız’s pace and dribbling ability will test Demir’s positioning and defensive skills. If Yıldız can exploit space down the flank, Kepez will likely create several goal-scoring opportunities. Another crucial duel will occur in the midfield, where Gökhan Çelik will face off against Sanliurfaspor’s defensive midfielder, Mehmet Kaya. Çelik’s ability to control the tempo of the game and disrupt Sanliurfaspor’s counter-attacks will be pivotal in determining which team dominates possession and transitions effectively.
The most decisive zone will be the wings, where Kepez’s attacking width is likely to stretch Sanliurfaspor’s compact defense. Sanliurfaspor’s ability to win aerial duels, particularly from long balls, will be critical in defending against Kepez’s crosses and through balls into the box.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the current form and tactical setups of both teams, the match is likely to see Kepez Belediyespor controlling possession while Sanliurfaspor looks to hit on the counter. Kepez will attempt to exploit the width of the pitch and create opportunities for their wingers to attack the full-backs, while Sanliurfaspor will look for set-piece opportunities and long balls to their striker, Serdar Ekinci. The absence of key players for both teams will impact the overall fluidity of the match, but Kepez’s greater depth and tactical flexibility make them the favorites to come out on top. A narrow 2-1 victory for Kepez seems the most probable outcome, with both teams scoring but Kepez’s sharper attacking play giving them the edge.
Final Thoughts
This match will answer whether Kepez Belediyespor can continue their dominance over Sanliurfaspor, and if Sanliurfaspor can finally show resilience despite their struggles this season. Will Kepez’s counter-attacks prove too much for Sanliurfaspor, or can the visitors find a way to overcome their tactical limitations? This game promises to be a defining moment for both teams as they seek points for different reasons. The result will be crucial for their respective goals in the League 2 standings.
