Konyaspor will host Kocaelispor at Medaş Konya Büyükşehir Stadium in the third week of the Süper Lig. The match will kick off at 19:00 on Friday, 28 August, with Gürcan Hasova appointed as the referee. According to a report by Sabah, the visiting team will be forced to face this important away match without four key players. Jovanovic, Petkovic, Rivas, and Tayfur Bingöl are all on the injury list.
These four players are continuing their treatment and preparation processes. The Kocaelispor coaching staff is making final preparations to field their team despite these absences. Kocaelispor, who lost 2-0 to Başakşehir in the first week of the league, defeated Amed Sportif Faaliyetleri by the same score at home in the second week. The team now aims to secure a second consecutive victory with a win at Konyaspor.
What is Konyaspor's current league position?
Konyaspor has had a difficult start to the season. Having lost their first two matches, the team sits in 17th place in the Süper Lig standings. With zero points, Konyaspor's goal difference stands at minus three. The team has scored two goals so far while conceding five. Their recent form, with two losses, is also a cause for concern. Trailing leaders Gençlerbirliği S.K. by six points, this match presents a major opportunity for Konyaspor to secure their first points of the season. You can follow the team's complete match schedule on our fixtures page.
What do the opponent's absences mean?
The absence of four key Kocaelispor players due to injury creates a significant advantage for Konyaspor. These deficiencies, particularly in defence and midfield, could pave the way for Konyaspor to build more effective attacking plays. Considering the opponent's performance in the first two weeks, these absences will test their resilience away from home. Konyaspor's manager must analyse the opponent's weak points well and shape the game plan accordingly. You can review the team's current squad status on our squad page.
Who will referee the match?
Gürcan Hasova has been appointed as the referee for Friday evening's encounter. Hasova is an experienced official who has taken charge of many Süper Lig matches before. Both teams are expected to display disciplined play under his management. The referee's decisions, especially in critical situations, can directly influence the course of the match. Konyaspor players need to be careful in this regard and avoid unnecessary cards.
What awaits Konyaspor after this match?
The Kocaelispor match could be the start of a challenging period for Konyaspor. The team will have a long break after this match. Their next league fixture will be an away game against Göztepe on 13 December 2026. That match against Göztepe, currently 14th in the table, is also critical for Konyaspor. The team must definitely register a win on the points table before the long break. Otherwise, they may have to enter the break period with low morale. You can check the current Süper Lig standings on our standings page. The result Konyaspor achieves this week will directly affect the team's psychology and future plans for the season.
