Samsunspor vs AEK: Kick-off time, TV channel and probable line-ups

Samsunspor are writing a new chapter in the Europa Conference League. On matchday 5 of the league phase, the Black Sea side host AEK in Samsun. Sitting on 10 points from four games and currently top of the table, they are aiming to secure a direct ticket to the last 16 with a win. AEK, meanwhile, travel to Türkiye looking for a result that will keep them firmly in the play-off race.

When is Samsunspor vs AEK, what time is kick-off and which channel?

The game will be played on Thursday, 11 December 2025 at Samsun Yeni 19 Mayıs Stadium. Kick-off is at 20:45 (Türkiye local time). The match will be broadcast free-to-air on TRT 1, and will also be available via the Tabii digital platform and TRT radio.

With a full house expected in Samsun, the night promises to deliver a real “European night” atmosphere on the Black Sea coast.

Samsunspor’s Europa Conference League form

Samsunspor have been almost flawless in the new-look league phase of the competition. In their four games so far they have recorded three wins and one draw:

• Legia Warszawa 0–1 Samsunspor (away)
• Samsunspor 3–0 Dinamo Kyiv
• Samsunspor 3–0 Hamrun
• Breidablik 2–2 Samsunspor (away)

In that run they scored nine goals and conceded just two. Key performers have been Mouandilmadji with his goals up front, Musaba and Holse with their direct runs and creativity, and Emre Kılınç adding both assists and threat from distance.

Thanks to these results, Samsunspor currently sit among the top teams in the 36-club Conference League table. AEK are also in the top half, inside the play-off zone, which adds extra spice to this head-to-head clash.

Team news: Samsunspor

On the Samsunspor side, several important names have returned from injury. Olivier Ntcham, Tanguy Coulibaly and Lubomir Satka are all back in full training and are in contention to start, depending on the coach’s tactical preference.

On the other hand, Afonso Sousa remains sidelined due to injury and will miss out. Midfielder Celil Yüksel is unavailable because of a disciplinary suspension related to an ongoing betting investigation. Cherif Ndiaye and Eyüp Aydın, who joined the squad later, cannot feature either as they were not registered in the Europa Conference League squad list.

Team news: AEK

AEK arrive with an experienced core in midfield and attack. The trio of Koita, Jovic and Gacinovic are particularly dangerous around the box, combining shooting ability from range with well-timed runs in behind the defence. Samsunspor’s back line will need to stay compact and avoid leaving space between the lines.

Samsunspor vs AEK probable line-ups

Head coach Thomas Reis is expected to stay close to the structure that has worked well in both the league and in Europe. AEK are likely to look for long spells of possession and fast transitions once they win the ball.

Samsunspor probable XI:
Okan Kocuk; Zeki Yavru, Borevkovic, Van Drongelen, Tomasson; Makoumbou; Musaba, Ntcham, Holse, Emre Kılınç; Mouandilmadji

AEK probable XI:
Strakosha; Rota, Moukoudi, Relvas, Pilios; Pineda, Marin; Pereyra, Gacinovic, Koita; Jovic

What happens if Samsunspor win?

In the new format, the top eight teams at the end of the league phase go directly to the last 16, while clubs placed 9–24 have to play an extra play-off round. If Samsunspor beat AEK, they will move to 13 points and take a huge step towards securing a top-eight spot and a direct place in the round of 16 without needing the extra play-off.

A draw or defeat would leave the door open for other results to matter and push the key decisions to the final matchday. Either way, Samsun will experience a European night to remember, and Samsunspor will walk onto the pitch not just for three points, but for a place in club history.