Caykur Rizespor play host to Bodrumspor searching for the win that would ensure they retain their position in the top half of the Super Lig table.
At a time when the home side occupy ninth position in the standings, Bodrumspor are down in 16th, albeit just six points adrift of their upcoming opponents.
Match preview
© Imago
With nine points separating sixth and 17th position in the table, few teams can claim to be safe from relegation right now and Rizespor fall into that category.
The Black Sea Sparrowhawk are benefitting from their strong form earlier in the campaign with five defeats having been suffered in their last nine fixtures.
Nevertheless, Ilhan Palut's side have also won the other four, including recent back-to-back victories over Samsunspor and Alanyaspor respectively.
Losing to 10th-placed Antalyaspor by a 2-1 scoreline last time out came as a blow, but Rizespor remain within three points of sixth.
Rizespor have also only played 12 home fixtures at this stage, losing just four times, and there will be optimism that they can build on their encouraging form at the Rize City Stadium.
However, Bodrumspor are currently in the midst of one of the most staggering runs of the season thus far as they bid to avoid relegation in their first-ever top-flight campaign.
Although Jose Morais's side have generally impressed in defence all season, they have kept five successive clean sheets and earned 11 points across that period.
Their three victories have all come by 1-0 scorelines, taking them to just 18 goals for the season, but they now only sit in the relegation zone on goals scored.
While the likes of Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are to come in their next five games, the foundations have been laid to edge their way to safety, and they go into this game having earned five points from their most recent four away encounters.
Team News
David Akintola faces missing out for Rizespor after he needed to be withdrawn during the first half against Antalyaspor.
Emrecan Bulut replaced him on that occasion and seems in line to deputise here, while Attila Mocsi should return to the defence after suspension.
Giannis Papanikolaou, Rachid Ghezzal and Abdulkadir Omur are all in line to miss out through injury.
Defender Ondrej Celustka could return to the Bodrumspor starting lineup after serving a suspension for four yellow cards.
Enis Bardhi is also an option in the final third having made an impression as a substitute last time out, with Jonathan Okita's place seemingly at risk.
Caykur Rizespor possible starting lineup:
Cetin; Sahin, Akaydin, Mocsi, Hojer; Ozcan, Olawoyin; Akintola, Varesanovic, Zeqiri; Sowe
Bodrumspor possible starting lineup:
Sousa; Celustka, Ajeti, Aytemur, Sen; Mohammed, Degismez; Fredy, Okita, Bilsel; Puscas
We say: Caykur Rizespor 2-1 Bodrumspor
With both teams having generally impressed of late, we are anticipating an entertaining affair. Bodrumspor will back themselves to extend their unbeaten streak, yet Rizespor get the nod with us, potentially prevailing by a late goal.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
