Trabzonspor's Bold Opening Selection Against Kasimpasa

Fatih Tekke has wasted no time in stamping his authority on Trabzonspor’s new season, making a headline selection call for their Turkish Super Lig opener away to Kasimpasa.

The coach has chosen to start the campaign with new Egyptian signing Mohamed Salah on the bench, keeping faith instead with a more established core for the first whistle of the season. It is a bold move for an opening weekend, and one that will be watched closely as Tekke looks to set the tone for his tenure.

Referee Gorkan Hasova will take charge of the clash, with Trabzonspor lining up in a side built on experience and physical presence. According to Gazete Pencere, the visitors start with Onana in goal, a back line and supporting cast featuring Savic, Nwakaeme, Pina and Mustafa, with Bouchouari and Aral adding legs and balance. Malinovskyi, Metehan and Savio provide the creative thrust behind leading striker Onuachu, who again carries the weight of expectation up front.

Kasimpasa, on home turf, answer with a starting XI that looks ready to test that structure. They go with Andreas between the posts, and a defensive unit of Arous, Eli, Yesin and Wink. Baldursson and Mendes sit at the heart of their midfield, with Diabate and Murtaza offering width and incision. Guven supports Bendezik in attack, giving the hosts a front line capable of asking serious questions of Trabzonspor’s back line.

The backdrop to it all is a Super Lig table that already has a small twist. Reigning champions Galatasaray have stumbled out of the blocks, held to a 2-2 draw by Corum in their opener. It leaves the door slightly ajar for early challengers.

If Tekke’s selection gamble pays off in Istanbul, Trabzonspor’s new era could start with a statement – and the conversation may quickly turn to when, not if, Salah is unleashed from the bench.