Two sides with varying ambitions will face off when Trabzonspor welcome Gaziantep to Papara Park on Sunday evening.
The visitors are battling for survival and just one point above the drop zone, while the hosts are looking to hold on to the Europa League spot.
Match preview
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Trabzonspor were in action on Wednesday, securing a 3-2 victory in the first leg of their Turkish Cup semi-final tie against Fatih Karagumruk. However, their success was marred by a red card for Enis Destan in the 45th minute.
Back in the league, the Black Sea Storm returned to winning ways last Saturday, defeating Kayserispor 2-1 at the Kadir Has Stadium. This result solidified their third-place position with 55 points after 33 matches, maintaining a four-point lead over fourth-placed Besiktas.
Abdullah Avci's side will host Gaziantep on Sunday, aiming to bounce back on home soil after their recent defeat to Sivasspor at an empty Papara Park. Due to a fan violence penalty imposed by the Turkish Football Federation, Trabzonspor will continue to play without home support for the next three home games.
Historically, Trabzonspor has dominated this fixture. They boast an unbeaten record against Gaziantep, having won eight and drawn four out of the twelve meetings between the two teams.
With European qualification on the line, the Black Sea Storm will be looking to extend their winning streak against the visitors to four games, having triumphed in the last three encounters.
However, Avci's team will need to address their recent struggles at home, having lost their last two league games at Papara Park.
Gaziantep, on the other hand, managed to end a four-match losing streak last Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Kasimpasa at the Gaziantep Stadium.
Alexandru Maxim opened the scoring in the sixth minute, followed by Arda Kizildag who doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark.
This win helped Senol Inan's men climb out of the relegation zone, who currently sit in 16th place with 34 points, just one point above the drop zone.
Gaziantep will be hoping to secure consecutive wins when they travel to Trabzon on Sunday. However, their away form has been poor, with three consecutive losses on the road.
Their record at Papara Park is also underwhelming, with one draw and five defeats in six visits. Nevertheless, the absence of a home crowd might present Gaziantep with an opportunity to steal a valuable point in their fight for survival.
Team News
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The hosts will be without Evren Eren Elmali who is out with suspension after accumulating an excessive number of yellow cards.
Huseyin Turkmen is also sidelined with a muscle injury while Trezeguet is doubtful as he looks to shake off a muscle issue.
Paul Onuachu was on the bench in the win over Kayserispor but could return to the XI for this clash.
Gaziantep could remain without Bryan Acosta, as he is yet to fully recover from a groin problem, while Ulas Zengin continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines through a leg injury.
Denis Dragus has 11 goals from 28 matches and will likely spearhead the Falcons' attack in this clash.
Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:
Cakir; Meunier, Baniya, Denswil, Elmali; Mendy, Ozdemir; Bardhi, Visca, Trezeguet; Pepe
Gaziantep possible starting lineup:
Nita; Ersoy, N'Koulou, Djilobodji, M'Bakata; Ozcicek; Sorescu, Monteiro, Maxim, Eskihellac; Dragus
We say: Trabzonspor 1-0 Gaziantep
Trabzonspor have dominated this fixture historically, but home woes cast doubt. Gaziantep are also desperate to escape the relegation zone, but have been poor on the road. We expect a close match with Trabzonspor edging it with a narrow win.
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