A high-stakes relegation survival battle takes place in the Turkish Super Lig this weekend when Sivasspor hosts Bodrumspor on Sunday.
Both teams head into this game tied on 34 points, though the hosts are ahead due to a superior goal difference, but they have also played one extra game.
Match preview
© Imago
Sivasspor arrive into the clash nursing wounds from a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Galatasaray, though Riza Calimbay's men were never truly expected to get anything against the champions-elect.
Still, the defeat was a reminder of the gulf in quality, leaving the Braves with just one win from their last five league outings, and one point off safety, but having played a game more than their nearest rivals, making the pressure huge ahead of this six-pointer.
Despite their recent struggles, Sivasspor will take encouragement from their recent home form, having won three of their last four league matches on home soil, though it is worth noting that two of those victories came against sides already relegated or hopeless away from home.
The Sivas outfit will also have to break a psychological barrier, having lost all three of their previous meetings with Bodrumspor, including both encounters earlier this season.
There is little margin for error now, and with matches running out, the Braves must take the initiative at home if they are to stay in the division, and anything less than three points here could prove disastrous.
© Imago
Bodrumspor, meanwhile, make the trip still searching for their first win in four games, following a narrow 2-1 loss to Samsunspor.
Jose Morais's side have been plagued by a chronic lack of goals all season, having scored just 24 times, the fewest in the league, a blunt edge in the final third that continues to undermine their efforts, even when performances have shown promise.
The visitors can at least take heart from their away form, which has seen them lose just once in their last five Super Lig trips, that defeat coming at the hands of Galatasaray, while picking up three wins in that stretch, showing a level of resilience and organisation on the road that will serve them well in Sivas.
History also favours Bodrumspor, who have already completed a league and cup double over Sivasspor this season without conceding a goal, results that could give Morais's men the belief needed to end their current winless run and take a massive step toward safety.
Team News
© Imago
Calimbay has a few personnel issues to navigate ahead of this crunch relegation showdown, as Ziya Erdal is expected to start at left-back with Ugur Ciftci sidelined through injury.
Charis Charisis was a surprise omission from the squad that faced Galatasaray, and his status remains unclear, and should he miss out again, Tolga Cigerci will step into midfield.
Alaaddin Okumus and Jan Bieganski are both unavailable, although neither was expected to feature in the starting XI.
Bodrumspor are also dealing with a handful of absentees, as Ege Bilsel will come into the backline to cover for Ondrej Celustka, who remains out injured.
Arlind Ajeti is suspended following his booking last time out, meaning Christophe Herelle is in line to start in central defence.
Meanwhile, Kerem Ersunar and Gokhan Akkan remain sidelined, though neither would have been expected to start this weekend.
Sivasspor possible starting lineup:
Vural; Erdal, Camara, Radakovic, Paluli; Moutoussamy, Cigerci, Bekiroglu; Rodrigues, Manaj, Boke
Bodrumspor possible starting lineup:
Sousa; Celustka, Herelle, Aytemur, Sen; Mohamed, Antalyali; Fredy, Bardhi, Seferi; Puscas
We say: Sivasspor 1-1 Bodrumspor
Both sides are low on confidence and goals, but the stakes should bring out a fighting performance, with Sivasspor's decent home form offsetting Bodrumspor's strong away run, which is why we think a point apiece looks the most likely outcome.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
