Kayserispor will play their first Super Lig game since the World Cup break when they travel to the Kirbiyik Holding Stadium to face Alanyaspor on Wednesday.
Although only one position separates the two sides, ninth-placed Alanyaspor are currently five points worse off than their opponents.
Match preview
Alanyaspor have played two competitive games since returning from the World Cup break, following a Turkish Cup victory with a draw in the Turkish Super Lig.
Francesco Farioli's side needed extra time to claim a narrow 3-2 win against second-tier side Eyupspor to set up a last-16 tie with Galatasaray.
Alanyaspor looked set to follow their cup victory with another win when they came from behind to take a 2-1 lead against Konyaspor on Sunday thanks to goals from Furkan Bayir and Koka, but in the 11th minute of stoppage time, Amir Hadziahmetovic scored from the spot for the second time in the game to ensure that the contest finished level.
The draw may have extended Alanyaspor's winless away run to seven matches, but they have proven to be a tough team to beat on home turf.
They have only lost one of their seven home league games at the Kirbiyik Holding Stadium this season, and they have the chance to extend their unbeaten home run to six matches in the Super Lig.
Meanwhile, the visitors are preparing to play their first league game since November 13, although they returned to competitive action in the Turkish Cup last week.
Goals from Gokhan Sazdagi and Mustafa Pektemek helped Kayserispor record a 2-0 victory over Genclerbirligi to progress to the last 16.
They will now turn their attention to league matters, with Cagdas Atan's side currently sat four points adrift of the top three.
Kayserispor lost their final Turkish Super Lig game before the World Cup break, which ended a run of seven competitive games without a defeat, but they still have the chance to continue their unbeaten away streak.
The visitors have won three and drawn one of their last four away matches, and they will be aiming to secure a third consecutive away victory on Wednesday.
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Team News
Efecan Karaca missed Alanyaspor's 2-2 draw against Konyaspor through suspension, but he is expected to feature in the starting lineup on Wednesday.
After receiving a booking on Sunday, Idrissa Doumbia is suspended for Wednesday's fixture due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Farioli could bring Jure Balkovec into the side, which may result in Zinedine Ferhat dropping down to the bench.
As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon the services of Nurettin Korkmaz, who is a long-term injury absentee.
Majid Hosseini will also be unavailable for Kayserispor, with the defender set to serve a one-match suspension for picking up four yellow cards in the league this season.
Meanwhile, Mario Gavranovic is expected to lead the line, and the forward will be looking to add to the five goals that he has scored this term.
Alanyaspor possible starting lineup:
Runarsson; Fer, Bayir, Aksoy; Pereira, Gunes, Bekiroglu, Balkovec; Karaca, Aydin, Koka
Kayserispor possible starting lineup:
Bayazit; Bulut, Kolovetsios, Kocaman, Carole; Cardoso, Kemen, Campanharo, Mensah, Thiam; Gavranovic
We say: Alanyaspor 1-1 Kayserispor
While Alanyaspor are unbeaten in their last five home league games, Kayserispor have avoided defeat in their previous four away matches in the Super Lig, and we think that both sides will have to settle for a point apiece when they go head-to-head on Wednesday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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