© Imago
Two sides desperate to pull further away from the Turkish Super Lig relegation zone will go head-to-head as Caykur Rizespor welcome Sivasspor to the Caykur Didi Stadium on Saturday.
The hosts sit 13th in the standings, just three points above the drop zone, while the visitors occupy 15th place, only escaping the bottom four on goal difference over 16th-placed Bodrumspor.
We say: Caykur Rizespor 1-1 Sivasspor
Both teams are fighting for their survival, which suggests a highly competitive and physical encounter, with both sides prioritising defensive solidity to prevent the other from finding the net.
This could lead to a scrappy affair with few clear-cut chances, and given Sivasspor’s ability to grind out results at this ground over the years, regardless of their form, we anticipate that the spoils will be shared.
> Turkish Super Lig preview: Caykur Rizespor vs Sivasspor
© Imago
Istanbul Basaksehir and Konyaspor will both aim to build on their recent victories when they meet in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday.
The hosts ended a three-game winless run on the road with a 3-1 triumph over Eyupspor, while the visitors secured a narrow 1-0 victory at home against Gaziantep.
We say: Istanbul Basaksehir 1-1 Konyaspor
Basaksehir may have ended their poor run last time out, but they are yet to produce a truly convincing performance – up against a Konyaspor side brimming with confidence, they will likely need more than the handful of chances they created against Eyupspor to secure a result.
With both teams evenly matched in key areas, we anticipate a tightly contested affair, ultimately ending in a draw.
> Turkish Super Lig preview: Istanbul vs Konyaspor
© Imago
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.
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.
> Turkish Super Lig preview: Antalyaspor vs Samsunspor