Having lost just one league game in 2023, Besiktas will look to continue their promising run of form when they face Umraniyespor on Saturday.

While the Black Eagles are currently sitting in third position, Umraniyespor are languishing in 18th place.

Match preview

After playing out two straight draws, Umraniyespor have suffered consecutive defeats in their last two games, which both took place away from home.

A 3-1 defeat to Kayersirpor was followed by a 4-2 loss in Tuesday's meeting with Fatih Karagumruk, which started positively for Recep Ucar's side who took the lead in the 36th minute.

Umut Nayir opened the scoring from the penalty spot but a Saba Lobzhanidze strike and a Fabio Borini brace gave Fatih Karagumruk a two-goal advantage at half time.

Olarenwaju Kayode managed to pull a goal back after the hour mark, however, Mbaye Diagne found the net to prevent Umraniyespor from mounting a fightback, ensuring that they are now winless in four matches.

Umraniyespor, who head into the weekend five points adrift from safety, will hope to make home advantage count on Saturday, having avoided defeat in each of their last three home games.

Besiktas are currently on course to finish in the top three and qualify for the Europa League with the Black Eagles boasting a five-point cushion over fourth-placed Adana Demirspor.

Although they are well set to better last season's sixth-placed finish, they would have been frustrated to see their winning run come to an end last Sunday.

After claiming five consecutive league victories, Senol Gunes' side were held to a goalless away draw against reigning Turkish Super Lig champions Trabzonspor.

Despite having to settle for a point, Besiktas put in another strong defensive display, ensuring that they currently boast the second-best defensive record in the division after conceding just 28 goals in 29 matches.

After thrashing Umraniyespor 5-2 when the two sides met in October, the Black Eagles will be confident of claiming all three points on Saturday.

Team News

After serving a one-match suspension, Isaac Sackey is set to return to the Umraniyespor side to partner Alexandru Epureanu in central defence.

Serkan Goksu dropped down to the bench for the midweek encounter with Fatih Karagumruk, but he could return to the starting lineup on Saturday.

Having registered 12 league goals this season, Nayir is Umraniyespor's top scorer, and he will be looking to add to his tally when he leads the line against Besiktas.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon the services of Tayyib Talha Sanuc, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Out-of-favour Everton loanee Dele Alli will not feature for Besiktas again after undergoing hip surgery during the week.

Cenk Tosun missed the win over Besiktas due to an injury issue, but he is set to return to the lineup for Saturday's encounter.

Umraniyespor possible starting lineup:
Ozer; Goksu, Sackey, Epureanu, Atasayar; Gerlado, Ayik, Mrsic, Yilmaz, Gurbulak, Sekidika; Nayir

Besiktas possible starting lineup:
Gunok; Bulut, Saiss, Colley, Masuaku; Fernandez, Ucan; Ghezzal, Redmond, Tosun; Aboubakar

We say: Umraniyespor 1-3 Besiktas

Umraniyespor's defence has been vulnerable in recent weeks, and we think that their backline could be in for another tough outing against an in-form Besiktas side, who should have enough quality to claim all three points.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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