Trabzonspor's Bold Move: Salah Benched Against Kasimpasa

Fatih Tekke has wasted no time making a statement. On the opening weekend of the Turkish Super Lig, the Trabzonspor boss has left new Egyptian signing Mohamed Salah on the bench for the trip to Kasimpasa.

All eyes will be on how that decision plays out in Istanbul, in a game officiated by Gorkan Hasova.

Trabzonspor's Starting XI

Tekke has gone with a starting XI built on familiarity and balance. According to Gazete Pencere, Trabzonspor line up with Onana in goal, a defensive unit marshalled by Savic, and Nwakaeme offering thrust from wide areas. Pina, Mustafa and Bouchouari form the core in the middle of the pitch, with Aral and Malinovskyi providing creativity and control. Metehan and Savio support leading striker Onuachu, who carries the main goalscoring burden.

Kasimpasa's Starting XI

Kasimpasa answer with a settled side of their own. Andreas starts between the posts, protected by a back line featuring Arous, Eli, Yesin and Wink. Baldursson and Mendes sit in the engine room, Diabate adds spark, and Murtaza, Guven and Bendezik complete an attacking setup that suggests the hosts are not planning to sit back.

Match Stakes

The stakes are sharpened by what has already happened this weekend. Reigning champions Galatasaray opened their title defence with a 2-2 draw against Corum, dropping early points and leaving the door slightly ajar.

For Tekke and Trabzonspor, that’s an invitation. Now it’s up to this Salah-less starting XI to show whether they can seize it.