Goztepe SK will welcome Antalyaspor to the Gursel Aksel Stadium with the hosts looking to end a four-game winless league run that has resulted in them dropping to 19th position in the Turkish Super Lig.
Meanwhile, Antalyaspor sit in 15th place, and they will also be aiming to end a winless run after going three games without a victory.
Match preview
After winning only once in their last 10 league fixtures, Goztepe find themselves embroiled in a battle to remain in the top flight.
They will head into Sunday's contest three points adrift of safety having only won three league matches this term.
In their last league outing, Goztepe drew 1-1 at home to Adana Demirspor, and they followed that result by ending 2021 on a high as they edged out Samsunspor in the Turkish Cup to progress to the last 16.
Nestor El Maestro's side will now aim to build upon that cup victory this weekend, although if they are to pick up points on Sunday then they need to improve in front of goal on home turf.
Goztepe have failed to score in six of their 10 home league games this season, while no other team in the Turkish Super Lig has scored fewer goals (6) at home than El Maestro's side this season, and that issue will need to be addressed if they are to beat the drop.
As for the visitors, they are far from safe as they sit five points clear of the bottom four after failing to win any of their last three league games.
The dressing room will currently be low on confidence as Antalyaspor narrowly missed out on winning the Super Cup in midweek, with Besiktas winning 4-2 on penalties after the contest had finished 1-1 following 120 minutes of play.
Their focus will now turn to an away trip on Sunday and games on the road have proven to be tricky for Antalyaspor this season with only five of their 22 points this term coming from away games.
In fact, Nuri Sahin's side have won just once on the road in the league this season, but an away fixture against struggling Goztepe could present an opportunity for another victory on their travels.
Although, if they are to collect three points on Sunday, they will need to improve in the final third after failing to score in six of their nine away league matches.
- D
- W
- L
- L
- L
- D
- W
- L
- L
- L
- D
- W
- W
- L
- W
- L
- D
- L
- W
- L
- D
- L
- W
- L
Team News
The hosts are expected to be without David Tijanic due to coronavirus, while Marko Mihojevic will miss the encounter with an ankle problem.
Wilker Angel has started the last two competitive fixtures for Goztepe, and the defender is likely to keep his place for Sunday's contest.
The responsibility of leading the line is likely to fall to Adis Jahovic, who will be aiming to add to his four-goal league tally.
Meanwhile, the visitors are set to be without Haji Wright and Fredy due to coronavirus.
Injuries will also mean that Harun Alpsoy and Ufuk Akyol will miss Sunday's encounter.
Paul Mukairu has scored three league goals this season, and he could start up front for Antalyaspor on Sunday.
Goztepe SK possible starting lineup:
Egribayat; Angel, Arslanagic, Nukan; Alici, Nwobodo, Aydogdu, Emir; Akbunar, Lourency, Jahovic
Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:
Boffin; Sari, Kudryashov, Albayrak; Balci, Poli, Milosevic, Vural; Amilton, Sinik, Mukairu
We say: Goztepe SK 1-1 Antalyaspor
The reverse fixture back in August ended level, and with both teams struggling for points of late, we think that the two sides will be content with settling for a point apiece on Sunday.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email
