Konyaspor will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Caykur Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig this weekend.
Both teams head into this game hoping to secure their top flight status for next season, though the visitors have a lesser margin compared to the hosts.
Match preview
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Konyaspor saw their three-match winning streak snapped by a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Antalyaspor, despite dominating large spells of the game.
The Anatolian Eagle’s inability to convert chances ultimately proved costly, yet their recent form still paints a positive picture as they edge closer to securing safety for another season.
The hosts currently enjoy a comfortable nine-point cushion above the relegation zone with five games remaining, offering them a degree of breathing room.
Recep Ucar‘s side have been formidable on home soil, winning five consecutive league matches there, but they face a side who have proved to be something of a bogey team in recent meetings.
Konyaspor have failed to win any of their last five encounters with Rizespor, but with the grit they have shown in recent home matches, registering five clean sheets in their last seven home matches in all competitions, Ucar’s side have all it takes to end that run.
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Caykur Rizespor arrive in Konya off the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Gaziantep, a game where Ilhan Palut‘s men made the most of their opportunities from set pieces, and thoroughly deserved their three points.
The win was crucial in giving them breathing space in the relegation battle, lifting them six points clear of danger with a game in hand over Sivasspor.
That result could not have come at a better time, as the Black Sea Sparrowhawk had struggled for consistency in recent weeks and needed a performance that could inject some belief into the squad.
However, Rizespor’s away form remains a concern as they head into the final weeks of the season, having won just once in their last six outings on the road, which will need to improve if they are to climb further up the table.
Although the visitors won their last away game in Konya, which would give them every reason to believe they can do it again.
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Team News
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Ogulcan Ulgun is expected to come into the starting line-up for Konyaspor, with Melih Ibrahimoglu suspended following an accumulation of yellow cards.
Riechedly Bazoer has served his one-match ban and will return to the team, offering both physicality and composure on the ball.
The hosts will, however, be without Emmanuel Boateng, Danijel Aleksic and Tunahan Tasci, all of whom remain sidelined through injury.
Giannis Papanikolaou continues to miss out with a long-term injury and will play no part for Rizespor in Sunday’s clash.
However, Rachid Ghezzal has returned to full fitness and is set to start on the right wing, while Dal Varesanovic is expected to retain his place in midfield after impressing in a deeper role against Gaziantep.
Konyaspor possible starting lineup:
Slowik; Bazoer, Ulgun, Yazgili; Guilherme, Pedrinho, Jevtovic, Ndao; Erdogan, Kramer, Prip
Caykur Rizespor possible starting lineup:
Grbic; Sahin, Akaydin, Aliqulov, Hojer; Varesanovic, Ozcan; Zeqiri, Olawoyin, Jurecka; Sowe
We say: Konyaspor 1-0 Caykur Rizespor
Konyaspor have won five straight home matches and remain solid defensively, which is why we fancy them to win against a Rizespor that have struggled on the road, though we expect it to be a close affair in the end.
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