Overview
Trabzonspor won the right to participate in the Europa League play-offs thanks to the Turkish Cup championship last season. Due to being specially selected, they do not have to play in the previous qualifying rounds and will face Ferencvaros. Coach Fatih Tekke admits that the opponent is rated higher in theory.
Trabzonspor had an unsatisfactory start in the domestic league when they only drew 1-1 at Kasimpasa in the opening round. Noah Saviolo put the away team ahead, but Adrian Benedyczak equalized for Kasimpasa from a penalty.
A noteworthy point for Trabzonspor is the appearance of Salah. Coming on as a substitute, the Egyptian player only played about 30 minutes but still made his mark with the highest expected goal index in the match.
After 9 seasons wearing Liverpool's shirt, Salah signed a 2-year contract with Trabzonspor and became one of the most sensational transfers in Super Lig history. After joining Egypt in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the 34-year-old striker is likely to start for Trabzonspor for the first time.
The home team can also rely on Paul Onuachu, who shared the Super Lig top scorer title last season with 22 goals. However, Tekke's assessment of Ferencvaros may cause Trabzonspor to choose a cautious playing style to avoid giving an advantage to the opponent before the second leg.
Ferencvaros came to Turkey with confidence after overcoming Gornik Zabrze with a total score of 2-1 in the previous qualifiers. The Hungarian champions won 1-0 in the first leg and drew 1-1 in the second leg.
This result also ensures Ferencvaros at least one spot in the Conference League group stage, helping them reduce pressure before the confrontation with Trabzonspor.
Ferencvaros are still unbeaten away from home in this season's qualifiers, with victories over Vojvodina and Twente and a draw with Gornik. However, the away trip to Papara Park, which is often filled with a passionate atmosphere, will be their biggest challenge.
Personnel situation
Trabzonspor will check Salah's fitness before the match that could mark the first time the Egyptian striker started for the club, after an impressive performance against Kasimpasa. Andre Onana is likely to continue to guard the goal.
Arseniy Batagov and Tim Jabol-Folcarelli are still being treated for knee injuries, while Ernest Muci has a hamstring problem. Okay Yokuslu is also not in his best physical condition.
Ferencvaros did not have any more injuries after the victory over Gornik and is likely to maintain the same squad.
Goalkeeper Denes Dibusz continues to be the number one choice in goal. In attack, Kristoffer Zachariassen and Lenny Joseph are still important factors for the Hungarian team.
Expected lineup:
Onana, Pina, Savic, Nwaiwu, Eskihellac, Bouchouari, Malinovskyi, Salah, Mimaroglu, Saviolo, Onuachu.
Dibusz, Osvath, Gomez, Zohore, Cadu, Zeteny, Nagy, Corbu, Zachariassen, Joseph, Kanichowsky.
The match between Trabzonspor and Ferencvaros takes place at 0:00 AM on August 21 (Vietnam time).
