Samsunspor will aim to extend their unbeaten run in the Turkish Super Lig to four matches when they host Kasimpasa on Saturday.
The hosts are well on course to securing a top-three finish, currently holding a seven-point advantage over fourth-placed Besiktas with nine matches remaining.
Match preview
Samsunspor put in a resilient display last time out, holding Fenerbahce to a goalless draw, thanks to a superb performance from goalkeeper Okan Kocuk.
The shot-stopper made six crucial saves and remained composed despite his side being reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute, following Marius Mouandilmadji‘s dismissal for a second bookable offence.
While the result was commendable given the quality of the opposition and the circumstances, it also meant Thomas Reis‘s side have managed just one win in their last four league outings, alongside two draws and a defeat.
However, Samsunspor will take confidence from their formidable home record, having won five of their last six matches on home soil, with their only setback in this run being a narrow 3-2 defeat against Caykur Rizespor.
The Red Lightning also boast a strong record against Kasimpasa in the top flight, winning two of their last three meetings, including a resounding 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture.
The visitors have never won a Super Lig match at Samsunspor’s ground and have picked up just one victory in seven visits across all competitions – given the contrasting fortunes of both sides this season, that record could well continue.
Kasimpasa enter this clash on the back of a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Alanyaspor, which ended their five-match winless run across all competitions, four of which were Super Lig matches.
However, their away form has been nothing short of dreadful in recent weeks, the Apaches have lost their last three league matches on the road and their last four in all competitions.
Their struggles away from home have largely stemmed from a lack of attacking cohesion, and if they fail to rectify this, they could find themselves on the receiving end of another disappointing result against a Samsunspor side that have been clinical at home.
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Team News
Samsunspor will be without Celil Yuksel, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, while Mouandilmadji serves a ban following his red card against Fenerbahce.
On a positive note, Lubomir Satka has recovered from injury and is expected to be available for selection.
Similarly, Kasimpasa have a near full-strength squad, with Aytac Kara being the only absentee due to a meniscus injury.
Burak Yilmaz is likely to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that secured his side three points against Alanyaspor last time out.
Samsunspor possible starting lineup:
Kocuk; Yavru, Cift, Van Drongelen, Bola; Ait Bennasser, Aydogdu; Kilinc, Ntcham, Schindler; Holse
Kasimpasa possible starting lineup:
Gianniotis; Ozcan, Piatowski, Opoku; Rodrigues; Gul, Hajradinovic, Ouanes, Espinoza; Fall, Costa
We say: Samsunspor 2-0 Kasimpasa
As previously mentioned, Kasimpasa have struggled for cohesion in attack during their last three away matches, and this could prove decisive against a Samsunspor side that are adept at creating chances on home turf and are likely to convert a fair share of them.
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