Two sides at the opposite ends of the Turkish Super Lig table face off on Saturday, as Hatayspor host Fenerbahce at the Mersin Stadium.
The visitors are looking to avoid falling further behind in the title race while the hosts hope they stay above the relegation zone.
Match preview
© Reuters
Hatayspor's hope of survival took a hit last Saturday after a 2-0 loss to Konyaspor left them just one point above the relegation zone.
They had previously recorded back-to-back league wins over Adana Demirspor and Fatih Karagumruk to ease relegation fears, but defeat to Trabzonspor, a draw with Sivasspor and last weekend's defeat has seen them plunged back into the mix.
Next up for the Star of the South is a home game against league-chasing Fenerbahce, leaving them at a bigger risk of ending the game week in the relegation zone if others below them record positive results.
Volkan Demirel's side have not lost any of their last six home matches across all competitions, recording four draws and win in the league alongside a 5-1 Turkish Cup victory over Sakaryaspor.
However, they are coming up against an opponent they have never beaten, losing seven and drawing one of their eight encounters with them.
Fenerbahce saw their 17-game unbeaten streak across all competitions come to an end with an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Ankaragucu in the Turkish Cup.
The Yellow Canaries failed to progress past the quarter-final of the cup competition, leaving their trophy hopes on the Europa League and Super Lig.
Back in the league, the Yellow Canaries kept the pressure on league leaders Galatasaray with a 2-1 win over Kasimpasa last Saturday courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from Michy Batshuayi.
Fener are two points behind Gala in the title race and they know any further slip-up could see their title hopes take a big hit.
However, they will be confident of keeping the pressure on Gala come Saturday, as they travel to a stadium where they have a perfect record with three wins in three visits.
With 37 points from a possible 39 on the road, the Yellow Canaries have picked up more points on opposition territory than at home (33) in this campaign.
- L
- D
- L
- L
- W
- W
- L
- W
- W
- D
- W
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Guy-Marcelin Kilama is the only absentee for Hatayspor, as the defender misses out due to accumulated yellow cards.
A front three of Omer Beyaz, Halil Dervisoglu and Joelson Fernandes is expected once again.
Joshua King remain sidelined for Fenerbahce due to a thigh injury that is expected to keep him out until late March.
Meanwhile, Alexander Djiku will miss this clash due to accumulated yellow cards while Fred is doubtful, as he looks to recover in time from a hamstring injury.
Edin Dzeko will look to add to his league-leading 18 goals when he starts up front this weekend.
Hatayspor possible starting lineup:
Kardesler; Rivas, Corekci, Maksimovic, Sertel; Boudjemaa, Matondo, Saglam; Fernandes, Dervisoglu, Beyaz
Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Oosterwolde, Aziz, Soyuncu, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Krunic; Under, Yandas, Tadic; Dzeko
We say: Hatayspor 1-2 Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce are outright favorites for this one, as both history and current form favours them. Hatayspor are struggling this season and have failed to win in their last three games. We are predicting a close victory for the visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
