Konyaspor vs Rizespor: Alikulov Out as Süper Lig Begins
Konyaspor welcome Rizespor to their home ground for the opening round of the 2026/27 Süper Lig season on Saturday, 15 August. The new campaign offers both sides a clean slate, but Rizespor head into the fixture nursing a significant defensive blow that could shape the contest.
Team News and Injury Latest
Rizespor will be without central defender Khusniddin Alikulov. The Uzbekistan international is recovering from a cruciate ligament rupture sustained in pre-season, with an expected return date no earlier than mid-October. His absence forces a reshuffle at the heart of the visitors’ back line right from week one.
Konyaspor, by contrast, appear to have a clean bill of health heading into the opener. Forwards Pedrinho and Blaz Kramer are both available and likely to lead the line, giving head coach Ali Çamdalı options in attack as the hosts look to exploit any uncertainty in the Rizespor rearguard.
Konyaspor Form and Home Comforts
The hosts arrive with a point to prove. Konyaspor’s form dipped towards the end of last season, but the reset of a new campaign — and the backing of their own supporters — offers a chance to turn the page. Home advantage has historically been a reliable platform for the Anatolian side, and getting off to a positive start on familiar turf will be the immediate priority.
Rizespor’s Away Day Dilemma
Rizespor’s away record in the previous campaign was a nagging concern, and the loss of Alikulov only adds to the challenge. The Black Sea side will need to show greater resilience on their travels if they are to avoid another season of looking over their shoulder. Saturday’s early kick-off is an immediate test of that resolve.
