Konyaspor faces Aliağa FK in the Turkish Cup Group B match on 5 February 2026 at 12:30 UTC. The Süper Lig side needs a win to clinch top spot and a direct quarter‑final berth, while the newly promoted Aliağa FK aims for an upset to stay in contention. Both clubs view the game as a pivotal step toward their season objectives.
Match Details and Stakes
The encounter will be played at a neutral venue in Ankara, with Konyaspor targeting the group‑leading position that guarantees a straight path to the quarter‑finals. A victory also keeps the club within reach of a place in the 2026‑27 UEFA Europa Conference League, boosting both finances and appeal to new signings. Aliağa FK, fresh from promotion to the TFF 2. Lig, seeks to prove its competitiveness and secure a strong group standing that could lead to a play‑off route.
Recent Form and Head‑to‑Head
Historical Record
In the last five meetings between the two sides, Konyaspor has won three, drawn one, and lost once—a narrow 1‑0 defeat in the 2023‑24 Turkish Cup round of 32. The most recent clash ended 2‑1 for Konyaspor, with a late goal highlighting occasional vulnerability in the closing stages.
Current Form
Konyaspor’s attack has struggled to convert chances against organized defenses, averaging 5.2 shots per game but only 2.1 on target. Aliağa FK, meanwhile, has kept clean sheets in three of its last five matches, conceding just 0.9 goals per game, and relies heavily on disciplined defending and quick counter‑attacks.
Tactical Preview and Expected Line‑ups
Konyaspor Setup
The Turkish side is expected to line up in a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation. Veteran centre‑back Mehmet Topal anchors the defense, while the attacking trio of İsmail Köse, Yusuf Şimşek and newly signed Brazilian forward Lucas Silva spearheads the offense. Midfield will be driven by playmaker Alper Potuk and box‑to‑box midfielder Emre Çolak, with full‑backs providing width.
Aliağa FK Setup
Aliağa FK is likely to adopt a compact 4‑5‑1 shape, emphasizing defensive cohesion and rapid transitions. Captain centre‑back Ahmet Demir leads the back line, while a midfield five, featuring creative midfielder Serkan Güneş, aims to supply the lone striker Hakan Yıldız, a veteran known for poaching close‑range goals.
Probability and Statistical Outlook
Statistical models assign Konyaspor a roughly 62 % chance of victory, a 24 % probability of a draw, and a 14 % chance of an upset win for Aliağa FK. The analysis factors in Konyaspor’s superior goal difference (+5), higher expected goals per match (1.78), and the neutral‑venue advantage. Set‑piece efficiency could be decisive: Konyaspor scores 30 % of its goals from corners and free‑kicks, while Aliağa FK’s limited scoring often stems from dead‑ball situations.
Implications for the Turkish Cup Race
A win for Konyaspor would virtually secure the top spot in Group B, leaving Aliağa FK to fight for second place and a possible play‑off route. A draw would tighten the standings, potentially leading to a decisive final‑matchday showdown. Even a narrow loss could keep Aliağa FK’s cup hopes alive if they maintain a favorable goal difference.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Konyaspor Coach İlker Yılmaz
“We respect Aliağa FK’s organization and their ability to frustrate opponents. Our focus is on controlling the midfield and exploiting the spaces behind their full‑backs. The key will be converting our chances – we cannot afford to dominate possession without a goal.”
Aliağa FK Assistant Coach Mehmet Kara
“Konyaspor is a quality side, but cup football often produces surprises. We will stay compact, press aggressively in the final third, and look to hit them on the counter. Discipline and concentration for the full 90 minutes will be our winning formula.”
Final Thoughts
The Group B fixture pits Konyaspor’s experience and firepower against Aliağa FK’s disciplined resolve. Whether the match ends as a predictable win for the Süper Lig side or erupts into a memorable upset, the result will shape the remainder of the Turkish Cup campaign and influence the season trajectories of both clubs.
