The Gürsel Aksel Stadium in Izmir prepares to host Goztepe versus Rizespor in a Süper Lig clash that carries significant implications for both sides. With Goztepe firmly embedded in the top-four and Rizespor seeking daylight from the lower half of the standings, this fixture is more than just a battle for points—it’s a collision of ambitions and momentum. Goztepe, under Stanimir Stoilov, come into this tie riding a perfect form over their last three games, while Rizespor, though inconsistent, demonstrated enough attacking zest recently to pose a genuine threat.
Key players to watch include Goztepe’s Arda Kurtulan—whose recent brace signals both clinical finishing and creative involvement—and Rizespor’s Qazim Laci, a midfield engine essential for dictating play and launching transitions. Both have been instrumental in their teams’ attacking phases and will undoubtedly shape the tempo and narrative of this contest.
The “hot stat”? Goztepe have recorded a flawless 100% win rate over their last three matches, notching three straight victories—momentum no team takes lightly in the Süper Lig’s grinding winter run.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Süper Lig 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Gürsel Aksel Stadium, Izmir |
| 🗓️ Date: | 19.01.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
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Goztepe vs Rizespor prediction
The best value prediction for this match is a Goztepe win or “Draw No Bet” on the hosts. The rationale is evidence-based: Goztepe’s squad is showing cohesive attacking synergy, while defensively they’ve been nearly impenetrable, allowing just one goal in their last three outings. The 5-3-2 formation affords them both structure and attacking breadth, maximizing the creative interplay of Kurtulan and Juan Santos. Rizespor, although featuring firepower with the likes of Qazim Laci and a recent five-goal haul against Gaziantep, remain defensively porous—averaging almost a yellow card per game and prone to lapses in concentration late on.
Key team data further cements this: Goztepe averages minimal yellow cards (just one per match in their latest five), a paltry 18 fouls, and exceptional ball retention with nearly 270 completed passes per match. Rizespor, however, edges their hosts in total shots and corners (demonstrating offensive willingness), but their higher yellow cards (five per match recently) and propensity for conceding leave them vulnerable to Goztepe’s high-press and transition attacks. Expect Goztepe to leverage their control in possession and strategic discipline to dictate the flow, especially against a Rizespor side that hasn’t found consistency under Recep Uçar.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Goztepe Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Goztepe: The Izmir side come into this fixture off a 2-1 victory over CSKA 1948 Sofia—a match that epitomized their defensive rigidity and clinical edge. Prior to that, Goztepe kept consecutive clean sheets against Samsunspor and Gaziantep, highlighting their compact shape and quick vertical transitions. What stands out is not just the run of form, but the resilience in holding off teams pressing for equalisers. Their only recent blip? A narrow 1-2 loss to a resurgent Trabzonspor, a match where Goztepe showed character and organization until a late winner undid them. Their midfield, led by the combative Arda Kurtulan, recycles possession intelligently, while their back line—anchored by Héliton and Malcom Bokele—rarely loses focus.
Rizespor: Rizespor’s last five games mark a rollercoaster: from an emphatic 5-2 win over Gaziantep to a costly 0-2 defeat against Erzurumspor. Their 2-1 fightback win versus Kisvarda revealed attacking grit spearheaded by consistent runs from Qazim Laci and Ali Sowe—but defensive lapses, evidenced by a vulnerability on set-pieces, persist. Their matches fluctuate between high-scoring affairs and games with missed opportunities, reflecting a team yet to master balance. The 4-1-4-1 employed under Recep Uçar allows for attacking flexibility but exposes defensive frailties that Goztepe will be eager to exploit.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Goztepe | Rizespor |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 9 | 6 |
| Total shots | 30 | 41 |
| Free kicks | 21 | 18 |
| Corner kicks | 12 | 14 |
| Total fouls | 36 | 44 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 82.6 | 80.4 |
| Interceptions | 20 | 24 |
| Offsides | 6 | 7 |
🚨Read our full Goztepe vs Rizespor stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Goztepe the favourite
- Moneyline Goztepe 1.97-1.99 | Rizespor 3.75-4.26
- Draw 3.22-3.45
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.10 | Under 2.5 1.70
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.20 | No 1.60
The odds tilt predictably toward Goztepe, with bookmakers assigning close to a 48% win probability compared to 23% for Rizespor. The convergence of home form, defensive stats, and recent H2H dominance justifies the margin, while the relatively high price on the draw hints at Goztepe’s pragmatic style when closing out games. The under on total goals stands out as value, mirroring Goztepe’s recent defensive solidity and Rizespor’s fluctuating attack.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups

Goztepe possible starting eleven
- GK: Mateusz Lis
- DF: Taha Altikardes, Héliton, Malcom Bokele, Allan Godói, Amin Cherni
- MF: Arda Kurtulan, Anthony Dennis, Rhaldney Norberto Simiao Gomez
- FW: Juan Santos, Efkan Bekiroğlu
This projected line-up adopts the sturdy 5-3-2 Stoilov has favored, blending established defenders like Héliton and Bokele with the creative output of Kurtulan and Bekiroğlu in midfield. The wings offer tactical flexibility to stretch Rizespor, and Mateusz Lis brings a steady presence in goal. Keep a close eye on Arda Kurtulan whose current form makes him a livewire in both goals and build-up play.

Rizespor possible starting eleven
- GK: Erdem Canpolat
- DF: Mithat Pala, Samet Akaydin, Modibo Sagnan, Casper Hojer
- MF: Qazim Laci, Taylan Antalyalı, Giannis Papanikolaou, Ibrahim Olawoyin, Muhamed Buljubašić
- FW: Ali Sowe
Recep Uçar’s 4-1-4-1 puts faith in the energetic Laci at the heart of midfield and a defensive line anchored by Akaydin and Sagnan. The single striker role for Sowe demands support from the flanks—Olawoyin and Buljubašić must test Goztepe’s full-backs and create space. Erdem Canpolat is likely to reclaim the gloves after solid recent outings despite the team’s variable defensive record.
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Rizespor. Source: Official Instagram. Edited photo
My take on the Match
All signs point to Goztepe consolidating their top-four push. Their controlled aggression, home advantage, and recent form edge out Rizespor’s intermittent spark. Expect a pragmatic, disciplined outing from Stoilov’s side—one that neutralizes Rizespor’s attacking flurries while capitalizing on transition moments through Kurtulan and Santos. My pick: Goztepe win or “Draw No Bet” for safety, with the smart money on a low-scoring match given both teams’ defensive inclinations and the high-stakes nature of the contest.

