Preview: Sivasspor vs. Altay - prediction, team news, lineups

With six points separating them from safety, Altay will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to four games when they face Sivasspor on Sunday.

The hosts, meanwhile, reside in a much more comfortable 13th position, and they will have the chance to claim back-to-back victories at the weekend.

Match preview

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Although they are in the final four of the Turkish Cup, Sivasspor have failed to deliver in the Super Lig this term.

Having finished in the top five in the last two seasons, Riza Calimbay's side are at risk of ending the current campaign in the bottom half of the table.

They do, however, enter Sunday's contest in high spirits after emerging victorious from a five-goal thriller away to Adana Demirspor last weekend.

Pedro Henrique netted twice to give Sivasspor a two-goal advantage, but strikes from Benjamin Stambouli and Mario Balotelli looked to have denied the visitors the three points.

Sivasspor were not to be denied though, as Henrique converted from the spot in stoppage time to end a run of three consecutive league defeats, ensuring that the hosts carry some momentum into Sunday's encounter.

Meanwhile, the visitors are embroiled in a battle to remain in the top flight, and with nine games remaining, they sit six points adrift of safety.

Despite having a mountain to climb, Serkan Ozbalta's side have shown signs of promise in recent weeks, picking up seven points from their last three games.

They ousted bottom-placed side Yeni Malatyaspor in their most recent outing, with a Marco Paixao penalty securing Altay a 1-0 home victory.

The relegation strugglers will now head on their travels for Sunday's contest, and the thought of an away trip will not inspire confidence, with their previous 13 away matches in all competitions yielding just one victory.

Although they drew the reverse fixture against Sivasspor, Sunday's visitors will be aware that a win is what is needed to boost their survival hopes.

Team News

Mustapha Yatabare has scored eight league goals for Sivasspor this season, but injury will prevent the forward from featuring for the hosts for the second game in a row.

Sivasspor will also be forced into a change at right-back due to Erdogan Yesilyurt serving a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards, and he is expected to be replaced by Ahmet Oguz.

That change may be the only alteration to the side following the dramatic victory over Adana Demirspor last weekend.

As for the visitors, Erik Bjorkander and Serge Arnaud Aka will miss out due to their respective injury issues.

Mohammad Naderi could return to the starting lineup after missing the win over Yeni Malatyaspor through suspension.

After coming into the side to score the winner last weekend, Paixao will once again lead the line for the visitors.

Sivasspor possible starting lineup:
Vural; Oguz, Goutas, Osmanpasa, Erdal; Henrique, Fajr, Arslan, Ulvestad, Gradel; Kayode

Altay possible starting lineup:
Lis; Karayel, Ozturk, Akca, Naderi; Kappel, Pinares, Thaciano, Poko, Rodriguez; Paixao

We say: Sivasspor 1-1 Altay

Although Altay are unbeaten in their last three matches, they tend to struggle on their travels, and though it may not be much use in their relegation fight, we think that they will have to settle for a point on Sunday.

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