Eyüpspor vs Gaziantep FK

Eyüpspor welcome Gaziantep FK on Sunday in the second round of the 2026–27 Süper Lig season, with both sides seeking their first victory of the campaign after contrasting opening-weekend results.

For Eyüpspor, the fixture marks a swift return to home soil following a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Beşiktaş, while Gaziantep arrive having shared the points in a goalless stalemate on matchday one. The two clubs meet with ambitions of climbing off the foot of the early table and injecting momentum into the long league calendar ahead.

Team News and Injury Latest

Eyüpspor are still without Moroccan centre-back Jawad El Yamiq, who is continuing his recovery from injury and will not be available for selection. The former Valladolid defender is a proven Süper Lig operator and his absence leaves a considerable gap in the hosts’ backline, forcing head coach Uğur Pulat to reshuffle a defence that was breached once in stoppage time last weekend.

Gaziantep FK have not reported any fresh concerns following their opening-day draw, though their medical and coaching staff will be monitoring fatigue levels after a physically demanding first outing played in stifling late-summer heat. Manager Selçuk İnan is expected to have the bulk of his squad at his disposal as they chase a first win of the season.

Eyüpspor Form Guide

Eyüpspor’s top-flight return began with a mixed display away to Beşiktaş. The Istanbul minnows kept the Black Eagles at bay for long stretches before Vaclav Cerny struck the decisive goal to condemn Pulat’s side to a 1-0 loss. Despite the defeat, there were encouraging signs in the organisation and shape of a team still acclimatising to the demands of regular Süper Lig football under their new head coach.

Pulat arrived this summer with a reputation for front-foot football and a preferred 4-3-3 attacking system, but his squad remains a work in progress. The visit of Gaziantep FK offers a more level playing field on paper and will be viewed internally as an opportunity to register a first top-division goal — and points — in front of their own supporters.

Gaziantep FK Form Guide

Gaziantep FK kicked off their 2026–27 Süper Lig campaign with a 0-0 home draw, a result that left them mid-table after the opening round of fixtures. While the clean sheet was a positive takeaway, the lack of cutting edge in the final third will be a concern as they travel away from home for the first time this season.

Last term, the side from south-eastern Turkey proved difficult to break down but often lacked the firepower to turn tight matches into wins. Early evidence suggests a similar pattern may be emerging, and head coach İnan will need his attacking players to step up if Gaziantep are to avoid another frustrating afternoon on the road. The squad possesses enough Süper Lig experience to manage this kind of test, but converting possession into clear chances remains the priority.

Key Battle: Midfield Control

The midfield contest is likely to determine where this match is won or lost. Eyüpspor’s 4-3-3 under Pulat relies on the three central players dominating possession and feeding the wide forwards, while Gaziantep FK will attempt to disrupt that rhythm and spring quick transitions of their own.

Whoever can establish control in the engine room will give their side a platform to attack a defence missing El Yamiq or to exploit a Gaziantep backline that has yet to be truly stretched this season. Expect the tempo to be brisk early as both teams search for the foothold that could unlock a first league win.

What Comes Next

With the Süper Lig table still in its infancy, three points on Sunday would provide an early psychological boost for either camp. Eyüpspor know that settling into the division quickly is vital if they are to avoid getting drawn into a prolonged relegation battle, while Gaziantep will be eager to build on their clean sheet and climb into the top half before a testing run of fixtures takes shape. The international break looms on the horizon, making it all the more important to head into the pause with tangible reward.