Konyaspor host Kocaelispor in Konya on 29 August 2026, matchday 3 of the Trendyol Super Lig and both clubs sit in the lower half after two rounds, though they arrive in very different moods. Kocaelispor are 11th with three points, Konyaspor are stuck in 17th with none and two straight losses have already opened a gap that will be difficult to close if it keeps widening. For Kocaelispor, the task is simpler: show their opening win over Amed was more than a one off.
Ilhan Palut and Selcuk Inan have no meaningful record against each other. Palut took charge at Konyaspor on 6 February 2026, replacing Cagdas Atan, while Inan has been in the Kocaelispor dugout since 1 July 2025.
Konyaspor have lost both their league matches so far, 2-4 at Fenerbahce on 22 August and then 0-1 at home to Caykur Rizespor, five goals conceded in two games with nothing to show at the other end. Kocaelispor started their campaign in much better shape by beating Amed 2-0 on 24 August, though a narrow loss in their second outing leaves questions about their consistency.
Konyaspor are sweating on goalkeeper Bahadir Han Gungurdu, who is doubtful through injury with Deniz Ertas likely to step in. Kocaelispor have two confirmed absences: striker Bruno Petkovic is out, removing their only natural target man and goalkeeper Aleksandar Jovanovic is also unavailable, leaving the deputy to start between the posts.
Palut lines Konyaspor up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1, with the double pivot shielding the back four while Enis Bardhi and Deniz Turuc look to create between the lines. Jackson Muleka operates as the primary goal threat off the last defender and Adil Demirba anchors a defence that has already shipped five goals in two matches and needs to be considerably tighter here.
Inan has Kocaelispor in a similar shape, also 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1. Habib Keita provides the engine in central midfield and Tayfur Bingol offers width and versatility on the right. Daniel Agyei carries the attacking burden with Petkovic out and will likely drop deeper to link play rather than operate off the last defender.
The midfield duel between Bardhi and Keita shapes most of what follows. If Bardhi gets time on the ball, Konyaspor can stretch Kocaelispor's compact block and create space for Muleka. If Keita wins it, Kocaelispor can transition into wide areas where Bingol can cut inside onto his stronger foot or deliver early before the fullback closes. Muleka against the Kocaelispor centre-backs is where the real damage gets done: his movement in behind can drag them out of position and open space for Bardhi to exploit and a visiting defensive line that has not yet been tested by a mobile striker of his quality may find the afternoon long.
When Konyaspor lose the ball in midfield, their holders need to recover quickly because if their fullbacks push forward and leave space in behind, Agyei has the pace to punish the gap. In the other direction, if Konyaspor expose their left channel, Turuc can deliver into the box for Muleka and runners from midfield.
These two have met twice recently, with one win apiece. Kocaelispor won 2-3 in Konya on 18 October 2025, then Konyaspor returned the favour with a 1-2 away win on 14 March 2026.
Konyaspor are a set piece danger under Palut, with Demirba and Bardhi involved in delivery and near post movement, which matters more with Jovanovic unavailable to organise Kocaelispor's defensive shape at set pieces. Kocaelispor also look to exploit second phase situations from corners but without Petkovic they lack a natural target at the back post.
We are going with a 2-1 Konyaspor win. Muleka's pace and Bardhi's creativity should eventually break Kocaelispor's defensive block, particularly from set pieces or quick counters. Kocaelispor's compact 4-1-4-1 could keep this goalless into the second half and Agyei can punish Konyaspor if they chase a second goal and leave their midfield pivot exposed but without Petkovic to hold the ball in the final third and bring others into play, Agyei will be isolated in those moments. Konyaspor's defensive fragility means a single Kocaelispor goal late on could make the last ten minutes desperate but the combination of Muleka's movement and Bardhi's delivery from dead balls gives the home side enough of an edge.
Ryan Baldi
Football Writer
Ryan Baldi is a professional football writer with years of experience and has been featured by respected outlets such as the BBC, The Guardian, Sky Sports, DAZN, FourFourTwo, ESPN, Yahoo Sport and Football365. He has also written several books including Arsène Who?.
