Looking to boost their European qualification hopes, Eyupspor will aim to capitalise on a favourable fixture against Turkish Super Lig basement side Adana Demirspor in the final game of round 31.
The hosts sit fifth in the table with 47 points, just one behind fourth-placed Besiktas, who have played a game fewer.
Match preview
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Few would have predicted that Eyupspor would be in contention for European qualification at this stage of the season, a true reflection of the remarkable strides they have taken in their maiden top-flight campaign.
Arda Turan‘s side led the charge for much of the season, but a four-game winless run between February and March significantly dented their momentum and saw them drop to fifth place.
Recent weeks have offered some relief, with Eyupspor picking up two wins and a draw from their last four league matches, their only defeat in that stretch coming against Istanbul Basaksehir.
They returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory over Hatayspor last time out and will now look to make the most of another struggling opponent in Adana Demirspor, a perfect opportunity to build crucial momentum.
While the hosts have only managed one win from their last four home matches in the Super Lig, they are still clear favourites heading into this clash, and with Besiktas playing two days earlier, Eyupspor will be under even greater pressure to secure three points.
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Adana Demirspor, meanwhile, suffered a 2-0 defeat against Kayserispor in their most recent outing, and another loss here could make their relegation all but official.
It has been a season to forget for the Blue Lightnings, who have endured one of the most turbulent campaigns in recent Super Lig history, with points deductions for breaching financial regulations, and the infamous walk-off during a match, only adding to their troubles.
They are currently on a 12-match winless run and are on course to match their own record for the longest such streak in the division this season (14 games).
With survival hopes virtually extinguished, manager Mustafa Avci is expected to continue rotating his squad, giving fringe players valuable minutes with an eye on the future.
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Team News
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Eyupspor will be without Fredrik Midtsjo, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a long-term injury.
The hosts are facing a significant injury crisis, with Taras Stepanenko, Sinan Gumus, Taskin Ilter, Dorukhan Tokoz, Recep Niyaz and Leo Dubois all unavailable.
To make matters worse, Prince Ampem is suspended after collecting a yellow card last time out, taking him over the disciplinary threshold.
As for Adana Demirspor, they remain without Andreaw Gravillon due to a long-term injury, while Nabil Alioui is doubtful.
Manager Avci may continue to tinker with his line-up, but he is expected to stick with his favoured back-three system.
Eyupspor possible starting lineup:
Ozer; Meras, Yalcin, Claro, Vezo; Kabasakal, Kayan, Akbaba; Akbunar, Thiam, Mor
Adana Demirspor possible starting lineup:
Karakus; Burak, Ersoy, Kalender; Kurtulan, Maestro, Celik, Aydogan, Kaynak; Kavrazil, Alioui
We say: Eyupspor 2-0 Adana Demirspor
Eyupspor are strong favourites and should have little trouble dispatching an Adana Demirspor side that appear resigned to their fate.
With the visitors lacking quality and confidence, and the hosts pushing for Europe, this clash is expected to go only one way, which is a comfortable win for the home side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
