Adana Demirspor's impressive start to the season has caused quite a stir in the Super Lig, as Patrick Kluivert's side are currently third in the table and will be looking to strengthen their position against struggling Fatih Karagumruk on Monday night.
The home team are the exact opposite of their opponents and are currently one place above the relegation zone only thanks to goal difference.
Match preview
The hosts have picked up just one win in eight games in their first few months in the Super Lig and, as things stand, are already preparing for a relegation battle.
Their only win of the season came more than two months ago in a 2-0 away victory over Istanbul Basaksehir, but after that Alparslan Erdem's men went downhill as they remained winless for six games until the last international break.
In their last five games, Fatih Karagumruk have picked up only two points - draws against Hatayspor and Pendikspor - and suffered three defeats – a 1-0 away loss to Caykur Rizespor, a 3-2 home defeat to Kasimpasa and another away defeat, this time 2-1 to Alanyaspor.
This season they have found it particularly difficult to score goals, as in eight games they have scored only seven times, which is the fifth-worst offensive record in the Super Lig.
However, they are much more robust defensively than the rest of the relegation candidates, which could prove crucial in the fight for survival as the season progresses.
Adana Demirspor, on the other hand, have improved significantly this Super Lig season, with five wins and only one defeat in eight games, putting them in a comfortable third place in the table, sandwiched between the three Istanbul giants Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas heading into the weekend.
The appointment of legendary Dutch striker Kluivert has paid dividends two-and-a-half months into the season, and it would not be a huge surprise if they managed to challenge Istanbul trio Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas for the top three spots.
They have been on an impressive run of late, winning their last three games, scoring four times in two of them and also keeping a clean sheet twice.
Kluivert's team conceded their only defeat about a month ago, when they lost 2-1 away to Kasimpasa. However, Adana Demirspor's away record is not exactly spectacular considering their position in the table, as the team have yet to win away from home this season.
In any case, a battered Fatih Karagumruk could be the perfect opponents against whom to finally get that first away win this Monday.
Team News
Although the recent form of Fatih Karagumruk gives little cause for celebration, the team can at least be pleased with its injury record, with only one player currently out.
Striker Kevin Lasagna is the only absentee from the squad, having been a key part of the team's attack in all five games, averaging 78 minutes per game.
Serdar Dursun has been his substitute in recent games and is expected to lead the attack again, although he has yet to score a single goal this Super Lig season.
Kluivert should also be pleased with the availability of his players ahead of Monday's game, with only Badou Ndiaye currently listed as injured.
Fatih Karagumruk should keep an eye on M'Baye Niang, who has already scored four goals this season, making him Adana Demirspor's top scorer.
The well-known Mario Balotelli has also attracted attention in recent games, scoring two goals in the 4-0 win over Alanyaspor.
Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:
Dituro; Sangare, Biraschi, Ceccherini, Mercen; Feghouli, Rohden, Eysseric, Shukurov, Mendes; Dursun
Adana Demirspor possible starting lineup:
Ozbir; Svensson, Gravillon, Guler, Rodrigues; Akbaba, Stambouli, Sari, Nani, Belhanda; Niang
We say: Fatih Karagumruk 0-2 Adana Demirspor
Adana Demirspor go into this game looking for their fourth straight win, and with the team's current form, it looks very much like an achievable goal.
The hosts are clear underdogs and if they manage to come out of this game with something positive, it will be a very unlikely result.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
