SAMSUN, Turkey (Interstat) — Samsunspor hosts Goztepe on Saturday in a Süper Lig clash that pits two mid-table sides with contrasting recent trajectories against each other at the Samsun 19 Mayıs Stadium.

The match, scheduled for May 16, 2026, marks the second meeting between the teams this calendar year. Samsunspor won the most recent encounter Jan. 17, 2-1 in Izmir, avenging a 2-0 loss at home to Goztepe on Dec. 21, 2025. The head-to-head split underscores the competitive nature of the fixture.

Samsunspor enters the game after a 3-0 defeat at Rams Başakşehir FK on May 9, a result that halted a three-match winning streak. Prior to that loss, the Red-Whites had defeated Galatasaray 4-1 at home, Alanyaspor 3-2 away and Beşiktaş 2-1 at home. Overall, Samsunspor has been inconsistent: they’ve won six of their last 10 league matches, with two draws and two losses. Notable wins include a 2-1 result at Eyüpspor and a 2-2 draw with Konyaspor, but heavy defeats such as the 4-1 loss to Rizespor on April 9 remain a concern.

Goztepe, meanwhile, carries momentum from a 2-1 home victory over Gaziantep FK on May 9. That win extended their unbeaten run to three matches (two wins, one draw). The Yellow-Reds drew 1-1 at Trabzonspor on May 2 and defeated Antalyaspor 2-0 at home on April 25. Goztepe’s form has been erratic: they have two wins, two draws and a loss in their last five outings, but the bigger picture shows a side that has struggled against top opponents, falling 4-0 to Beşiktaş on Feb. 22 and losing 3-1 to Galatasaray on April 8.

Saturday’s fixture could hinge on Samsunspor’s home advantage. The host side has been strong at the 19 Mayıs Stadium, winning four of their last five home matches, including the rout of Galatasaray. Goztepe’s away record is mixed: they’ve taken points from trips to Trabzonspor and Kocaelispor, but suffered defeats at Başakşehir and Gençlerbirliği.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw. The model reflects the teams’ statistical parity, with both sides averaging roughly 1.4 goals per game this season. Samsunspor’s attack, led by a forward line that scored four against Galatasaray, faces a Goztepe defense that has kept two clean sheets in their last four matches.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. local time. Neither team has announced any injury or suspension absences that would drastically alter their expected lineups. For Samsunspor, maintaining defensive discipline after the Başakşehir setback will be critical. For Goztepe, continuing their recent run of positive results away from home could solidify their standing in the league’s middle tier.