Trabzonspor and Kayserispor square off on Sunday afternoon with both clubs looking for the win that will move them closer to the top three in the Super Lig standings.
Both teams are locked on the same points in fifth and sixth respectively, as well as each possessing five-game undefeated streaks.
Match preview
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The hope has been that a year away from European football will result in Trabzonspor restoring their position in the top three of Turkey's top flight.
Last year's sixth-placed finish was hugely underwhelming and Abdullah Avci's side find themselves in the same position after 13 matches of this season.
Nevertheless, Trabzonspor are currently on a five-game undefeated streak, collecting 11 points during that period and also posting an away win at Fenerbahce.
That has helped catapult the Black Sea Storm to within two points of third spot and the next goal will be chasing the clubs above them who have recently become more inconsistent.
Their home form has been key with 15 points being accumulated from six matches, and there will be belief that they can post a fifth successive triumph at Papara Park.
However, it will be far from straightforward against an opponent who are also five games unbeaten and sit ahead of them in the table on goal difference.
Kayserispor saw their four-match winning streak come to an end last time out as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fourth-placed Adana Demispor, yet it was another positive result for a team who only finished ninth in 2022-23.
Just two defeats have been recorded in 13 top-flight outings this campaign, with both defeats coming away from home against Besiktas and Ankaragucu respectively.
The Anatolian Star also have just two away wins from six games to their name, yet both of those successes have come recently, victories being posted at Hatayspor and Kasimpasa.
Team News
With Batista Mendy serving a suspension, Berat Ozdemir could be drafted into the Trabzonspor midfield in his place.
Backup goalkeeper Taha Tepe is also in line to continue between the sticks due to Ugurcan Cakir's knee issue.
Trezeguet could be recalled on the flank after scoring as a substitute in the 3-3 draw at Sivasspor.
Kayserispor are expected to have to make a change in defence after Joseph Attamah was forced off during the first half against Adana Demirspor.
Arif Kocaman is most likely to deputise if required and the reminder of the side could stay the same after a solid result against a rival.
Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:
Tepe; Aydin, Baniya, Denswil, Elmali; Pepe, Omur, Ozdemir, Bakasetas, Trezeguet; Onuachu
Kayserispor possible starting lineup:
Bayazit; Sazdagi, Hosseini, Kocaman, Carole; Yilmaz, Karimi; Morte, Kemen, Cardoso; Thiam
We say: Trabzonspor 1-1 Kayserispor
With confidence brimming in both squads, this has the makings of being a highly-competitive tussle, and an important one if European qualification is to remain a realistic possibility later in the season. A draw looks the most likely outcome and one that each team would settle for, yet do not be surprised to see a late winner from either side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
