Trabzonspor's Bold Lineup Decision for Turkish Super Lig Opener

Fatih Tekke has shown his hand for the opening weekend of the Turkish Super Lig – and his first big call is a bold one.

The Trabzonspor boss has left new Egyptian signing Mohamed Salah on the bench for the trip to Kasimpasa, trusting his established core to set the tone for the season. All eyes will be on how long he waits to unleash his latest attacking weapon.

Referee Gorkan Hasova will take charge of the clash, with Tekke sending out a starting XI built on power and creativity. According to Gazete Pencere, Trabzonspor line up with Onana, Savic, Nwakaeme, Pina, Mustafa, Bouchouari, Aral, Malinovskyi, Metehan, Savio and Onuachu.

It is a side that suggests intent: Malinovskyi to dictate, Savio to stretch the game, Onuachu as the focal point. Salah, for now, must watch and wait.

Kasimpasa, on their own patch, answer with a settled-looking team of their own. They start with Andreas, Arous, Eli, Yesin, Wink, Baldursson, Mendes, Diabate, Murtaza, Guven and Bendezik, a line-up that hints at balance between steel in midfield and pace in transition.

The wider backdrop only sharpens the intrigue. Reigning champions Galatasaray have already stumbled out of the blocks, held to a 2-2 draw by Corum in their opener.

That result leaves the door slightly ajar. If Trabzonspor can make a statement in Istanbul, Tekke’s decision to hold Salah in reserve might be the first big talking point of a season that already feels wide open.