With just six points separating them from the relegation zone, Antalyaspor will be eager to secure a positive result on Saturday to avoid being drawn into the Turkish Super Lig survival battle when they host Samsunspor.
The hosts have alternated between wins and losses in their last five league matches, but they remain on track to match their 10th-placed finish from last season.
Match preview
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Antalyaspor endured a heavy 4-0 defeat against Galatasaray before a two-week break from competitive football, which seems to have done them some good.
The Scorpions responded with a 2-1 victory in the Antalya provincial derby against Alanyaspor, coming from behind to secure the win, putting in a solid defensive display to restrict their opponents to just one shot on target.
However, inconsistency has been a persistent issue for Antalyaspor, as they have yet to secure back-to-back league victories this season, but this match presents an opportunity to change that, especially with the advantage of playing at home, where they have remained unbeaten in their last five games under Emre Belozoglu, winning the last three.
History is also on their side, as they won their last home encounter against Samsunspor in the top flight, and interestingly, the home team has come out on top in the last three meetings between these sides.
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Meanwhile, Samsunspor appear to be showing signs of fatigue as the season nears its conclusion, winning just once in their last five league outings while suffering two defeats and two draws.
Thomas Reis‘s side suffered a disappointing 2-0 home loss against Kasimpasa last time out, exposing their lack of squad depth, a defeat that allowed fourth-placed Besiktas to close the gap to four points, with the Red Lightning having played an extra match.
The visitors will now look to extend their unbeaten run on the road to four matches, though they have drawn their last two, a result that could hinder their push for European qualification.
With matches against teams like Galatasaray and Trabzonspor still lined up, Samsunspor will hope to make the most of the matches like this if they are to participate in Europe again.
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Team News
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Antalyaspor will be without Erdogan Yesilyurt and Emre Uzun, who have both suffered cruciate ligament injuries and are ruled out for the rest of the season.
Amar Gerxhaliu put in a strong performance against Alanyaspor and is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup, with Belozoglu likely to stick with the same formation that earned them victory.
Samsunspor’s only absentee is Lubomir Satka, who suffered a setback in his recovery, otherwise Reis has a full squad at his disposal.
Celil Yuksel and Marius Mouandilmadji have completed their suspensions and will be available for selection once again.
Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:
Piric; Balci, Sari, Gerxhaliu, Vural; Dikmen, Kaluzinski, Safouri; Samudio, Larsson, Van de Streek
Samsunspor possible starting lineup:
Kocuk; Yavru, Cift, Van Drongelen, Bola; Holse, Youksel, Ait Bennasser; Ntcham, Dimata, Mouandilmadji, Schindler
We say: Antalyaspor 2-2 Samsunspor
Samsunspor are struggling to maintain the momentum they showed earlier in the season, but the return of Mouandilmadji to the starting lineup should provide them with a much-needed focal point in attack.
His presence could improve their finishing, giving them a fighting chance against an Antalyaspor side that has been impressive at home, which is why we anticipate a draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
