(Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport)
Trabzonspor v Derry City
Europa League second qualifying round first leg, kick-off 7.30pm (Irish time)
Form: Turkey’s Super Lig doesn’t kick off until next month so there’s no recent form on which to judge Trabzonspor. They finished ninth last season, a full 25 points behind champions Galatasaray, but qualified for the Europa League as beaten cup finalists.
The boss: Mustafa Resit Akcay. Akcay was hand-picked for the job in May when Trabzonspor’s new chairman celebrated his election by sacking Tolunay Kafkas after just five months in charge. Most of Akcay’s recent experience is in Turkey’s lower leagues with Tavsnali Linyitspor and 1461 Trabzon.
One to watch: Trabzonspor have a host of familiar names in their squad including Ivory Coast internationals Didier Zokora and Sol Bamba, and Austrian marksman Marc Janko who played in the 2-2 draw against Ireland. Oh, and they’ve just signed Florent Malouda from Chelsea; the Frenchman could make his debut in the Brandywell next week.
Derry: Pat McEleney and Rory Patterson both sat out last week’s 2-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers and manager Declan Devine will want to give the pair every chance of proving their fitness before he names his team.
Odds: Trabzonspor 1/10 Draw 7/1 Derry City 20/1
