Looking to end a two-match losing streak, Sivasspor will travel to Istanbulspor on Friday afternoon at Esenyurt Necmi Kadioglu Stadium in gameweek 37 of the Turkish Super Lig.
Both teams are coming into this game on the back of multiple defeats, with the hosts having also lost their last four matches.
Match preview
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Istanbulspor's woes continued after a 3-0 defeat to Trabzonspor at Papara Park last Sunday, marking the 25th league loss for the already-relegated side.
The Bulls have 16 points and are mathematically relegated, ending their two-season stint in the top flight. They are also 20 points behind the team directly above them, highlighting their struggles this season.
Istanbulspor will now play in the second tier after a turbulent season plagued by managerial changes, points deductions, and even abandoning a match due to a refereeing decision.
Despite their dismal campaign, the Bulls will be looking to end on a positive note when they welcome their Friday opponents. They have the upper hand in home fixtures against Sivasspor, having beaten them 3-0 on home soil last season.
Sivasspor were unable to recover after conceding just before half time, losing 1-0 to Istanbul Basaksehir at the Yeni 4 Eylul Stadium last Sunday.
Following a four-game run that yielded 10 points, the Braves have lost their last two matches and have now dropped points in just five games so far in 2023-24.
Bulent Uygun's men currently occupy ninth position in the top-flight standings with 48 points after 36 matches. Securing a top-half finish will be their aim, as they are already out of contention for the final European spot.
Sivasspor will be confident of ending this poor run against the league's worst side, despite losing their last away game woefully against champions-elect Galatasaray.
Team News
Eslem Ozturk is the only absentee for the hosts as he is sidelined with an ankle injury that will not see him feature again this season.
Mendy Mamadou should lead the line once again as Istanbulspor are likely to stick to the 3-2-4-1 formation they utilized against Trabzonspor.
Ibrahim Akdag was sent off in Sivasspor's defeat last time out and is suspended for this clash, which could see Kerem Atakan Kesgin come into the XI.
The visitors are also set to be without the services of midfielder Hakan Arslan, who suffered a groin injury in the middle of April and has failed to feature since.
Istanbulspor possible starting lineup:
Arda; Sambissa, Coly, Deli, Duhaney, Yesil; Loshaj, Vorobjovas, Jackson, Sambissa; Mamadou
Sivasspor possible starting lineup:
Vural; Paluli, Osmanpasa, Appindangoye, Camara, Ciftci; Koita, Charisis, Kesgin, Turgunbaev; Manaj
We say: Istanbulspor 0-2 Sivasspor
Sivasspor have the perfect opportunity to halt their poor run as they are clear favorites to win this match up. The hosts have been abysmal all season and appear to be devoid of inspiration and quality.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
