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Kasımpaşa vs. Trabzonspor: Salah Puts the Spotlight on Istanbul

The Süper Lig kicks off with a matchup that has quickly captured everyone's attention. Kasımpaşa hosts Trabzonspor this Saturday, August 15, at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium, in a match that will feature Mohamed Salah as one of its main attractions. The Egyptian forward was called up for the match but will start on the bench.

Trabzonspor enters a new season with high expectations after finishing the previous campaign in third place and winning the Turkish Cup. Kasımpaşa, meanwhile, will look to put behind a season in which it had to fight until the final moment to secure its place in the top flight.

Kasımpaşa Looks to Start With Another Upset

Last season was a difficult one for Kasımpaşa, which had to wait until the final matchday to secure its place in the top flight. The team managed by Emre Belözoğlu finished just three points above the relegation zone but ended the campaign with a victory that could serve as a reference point for what lies ahead.

In its final official match, Kasımpaşa defeated Galatasaray 1-0 at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium. The result was particularly notable because of the way Kasımpaşa secured the win. Adrian Benedyczak scored the only goal of the match in the 27th minute, producing a victory that showed Kasımpaşa can compete even without controlling possession.

The preseason also provided positive signs. Belözoğlu's side played five friendlies without suffering a defeat, recording three wins and two draws.

Trabzonspor Has the Firepower, but Salah Waits on the Bench

Trabzonspor enters the season with plenty of reasons to believe it can make a strong run. The team finished third in the Süper Lig and lifted the Turkish Cup after defeating Konyaspor 2-1 in the final.

One of its standout players was Paul Onuachu, who finished the campaign with 22 goals in the Turkish league, placing him among the competition's top scorers. The striker will once again be one of the biggest offensive threats for Fatih Tekke's side.

But all eyes will be on Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward is part of Trabzonspor's squad for this match, although he is not in the starting XI and will begin the game on the bench.

For Trabzonspor, having Salah and Onuachu in the same squad represents a formidable attacking combination. The challenge will be finding the right balance and getting its biggest stars to make an impact from the start of the season.

Recent History Favors Trabzonspor, but Kasımpaşa Threatens

Recent history favors Trabzonspor, which won the last two meetings against Kasımpaşa: 1-0 away and 2-1 at home. In the last 10 encounters, Trabzonspor has five wins, compared with two for Kasımpaşa and three draws.

However, the hosts enter the match with confidence after defeating Galatasaray and remaining unbeaten during preseason. Kasımpaşa also earned 21 of its 35 points at home last season.

Trabzonspor will need to improve after losing three of its last four friendlies, although it has Paul Onuachu, who scored 22 goals last season, and Mohamed Salah, who is in the squad but will start on the bench.

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