Preview: Goztepe SK vs. Gaziantep - prediction, team news, lineups

Goztepe SK play host to Gaziantep on Monday evening needing a win to avoid being cut adrift in the Super Lig relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Gaziantep head into this contest having won two of their last three games, the latest success coming against second-placed Konyaspor.

Match preview

There is an argument that Goztepe are beginning to improve on a regular basis, their only defeat in four matches coming to Konyaspor.

However, while they also collected an excellent 1-1 draw versus Fenerbahce last time out, Goz Goz have only lost ground in the battle to avoid the drop.

Nestor El Maestro's side have recorded one victory in 10 league matches, that success coming at second-from-bottom Kasimpasa, and they ultimately need to find a different gear in the final third.

Goztepe have not scored more than twice in a top-flight fixture all season, while only midfielder David Tijanic has netted more than twice in the league.

On a more positive note, they made light work of Kahta 02 Spor in the cup, prevailing by a 5-0 scoreline with five different players getting on the scoresheet.

A slow start has undermined Gaziantep's season to a certain degree, but Erol Bulut will be happy enough with how his team have progressed since September.

While they are still to post successive wins in Super Lig, victories have been posted on a consistent basis, the latest coming against high-flying Konyaspor by a 3-2 scoreline.

However, while Gaziantep boast the second-best home record in the division, they possess the second-worst return on the road, picking up just one point in seven games.

Home territory benefitted Gaziantep again in midweek, Bulut's side coming from behind to secure a 3-1 cup triumph over Sakaryaspor.

Team News

Gaziantep will be forced into making at least one alteration as defender Papy Djilobodji serves a one-match suspension.

Alin Tosca should come into the team as a straight replacement on the left-hand side of a back three.

Given the level of their performance against Konyaspor, that should be the only change barring any unforeseen injury issues.

El Maestro could name the Goztepe XI from the Fenerbahce draw, particularly having only used two late substitutes during that game.

Veteran forward Adis Jahovic netted his second goal of the campaign during that fixture, and it is likely to keep him ahead of Cherif Ndiaye and Lourency.

Goztepe SK possible starting lineup:
Egribayat; Arslanagic, Nukan, Cankaya; Paluli, Aydogdu, Nwobodo, Emir; Akbunar; Tijanic, Jahovic

Gaziantep possible starting lineup:
Guvenc; Ersoy, Caulker, Tosca; Kitsiou, Niyaz, Erdogan, Maxim, Mendyl; Demir, Dicko

We say: Goztepe SK 1-2 Gaziantep

Despite Goztepe being on a marginally upward curve, they still have not being able to turn draws into wins. With that in mind, we expect the visitors to take full advantage, creating further distance between themselves and the bottom four.

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