Two teams battling for survival go head to head this Saturday in the Turkish Super Lig, as Konyaspor welcome Hatayspor to Torku Arena.
The hosts head into this match, four points adrift of safety while the visitors are just one point away from the drop zone.
Match preview
It has been a season to forget for Konyaspor who would have had ambitions of pulling closer to the top four after finishing last term in eighth place.
After a positive result against Ankaragucu, Fahrudin Omerovic's side experienced another setback last weekend, losing 2-0 to Besiktas last time out.
The Anatolian Eagles head into gameweek 27 with just 25 points on the board and firmly in the scrap for top-flight survival, currently trailing Fatih Karagumruk - the first side above the drop zone - by three points.
Back at home against fellow strugglers Hatayspor this weekend, Konyaspor will hope home support can push them to victory again after enjoying victory in their last match at Torku Arena against Ankaragucu.
After a run of four consecutive wins, the Anatolian Eagles lost their last meeting against Saturday's opposition, but will now hope to continue their home dominance over them, having won the last two times they hosted this fixture.
Hatayspor salvaged a 1-1 draw with Sivasspor at the Mersin Stadium last time out, making it two games in a row without a win for the Star of the South.
They had previously recorded back-to-back league wins over Adana Demirspor and Fatih Karagumruk to ease relegation fears, but defeat to Trabzonspor and last weekend's draw has altered the progress, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone.
Next up is a trip to Konyaspor, a team they defeated 3-1 in the reverse fixture and are looking to complete a first top-flight double against for the first time.
However, seven defeats in their last nine away games in the Super Lig will leave them with some self-doubt heading into this fixture.
- D
- L
- D
- W
- W
- L
- D
- W
- W
- L
- L
- D
Team News
Konyaspor have a clean bill of health heading into this fixture, leaving Omerovic with a wealth of options.
Sokol Cikalleshi should lead the line once again, supported by the trio of Alexandru Cicaldau, Valon Ethemi and Louka Prip.
Soner Dikmen and Steven Nzonzi are the two players expected to play in the midfield, shielding the defence and linking attack.
Like the hosts, Hatayspor also have everyone available for this clash, with no injuries or suspensions to deal with.
Gorkem Saglam should be back in midfield after missing the last match due to a suspension from accumulated cautions.
Renat Dadashov should lead the line with Halil Dervisoglu playing the supporting role.
Konyaspor possible starting lineup:
Slowik; Oguz, Damjanovic, Yazgili, Haubert; Dikmen, N'Zonzi; Ethemi, Cicaldau, Prip; Cikalleshi
Hatayspor possible starting lineup:
Kardesler; Corekci, Kilama, Maksimovic, Ghoulam; Beyaz, Matondo, Dele-Bashiru; Rivas, Dervisoglu, Dadashov
We say: Konyaspor 1-1 Hatayspor
Both sides are not in the best moment coming into this fixture and will see this as a good chance to pick up a valuable win against a direct relegation candidate. However, we think they will not be separated in the end.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
