Hope and desperation collide on the Antakya Ataturk Stadium turf on Saturday as Hatayspor host Pendikspor in a Turkish Super Lig clash between two struggling sides.
The hosts, once flying high, aim to halt their alarming slide down the table, while the visitors, deep in the relegation zone, search for a vital shot in the arm.
Match preview
Volkan Demirel's side began the season like a shooting star, unbeaten in their first eight matches, but they have now found themselves hovering just above the relegation zone with just one win in their last 11 league games.
A glaring lack of cutting edge has torpedoed their form, as evidenced by their 30 attempts without a goal in their first two outings of the year - a 2-0 loss against Caykur Rizespor and a goalless draw with Gaziantep last time out.
Hatayspor, who have now scored just one goal in their last five matches — having netted nine in the four games preceding this run — are currently 16th in the Super Lig table, just two points and one spot above the relegation zone.
Facing an opponent they thrashed 5-1 earlier this season, the Star of the South seek to relive that joy and reignite their fading campaign.
Having picked up 13 of their 20 points at home so far, the Antakya Ataturk Stadium has been Hatayspor's sanctuary this season, and they will rely on that familiar warmth to overcome Pendikspor's challenge on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Pendikspor recorded their 10th defeat in 19 league matches after losing 1-0 to Antalyaspor last time out.
Antalyaspor's early lead proved insurmountable for Ivo Vieira's side, even though they enjoyed the lion's share of the ball and peppered the goal with attempts.
As a result, Pendikspor remained 19th in the Super Lig table, five points adrift of safety at the midway point of the season.
Having struggled defensively with the most goals conceded in the league so far, the away team must tighten things up if they are to compete effectively in this encounter.
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Team News
Hatayspor remain without French midfielder Mehdi Boudjemaa, who is the only absentee as he continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury back in July.
Demirel is likely to stick with the same starting lineup from the goalless draw against Gaziantep last time out.
Carlos Strandberg should retain his spot as the focal point in attack alongside Rigoberto Rivas and Omer Beyaz.
Pendikspor's Emeka Eze has been sidelined with an ankle injury since September, and the Nigerian is unavailable for Saturday's game as well.
Ahmed Hassan is also unavailable after joining up with the Egyptian national team for the AFCON.
Twenty-one-year-old Erencan Yardimci boasts 11 goals in his last 13 matches for club and country, making him one to keep an eye on here.
Hatayspor possible starting lineup:
Kardesler; Alici, Kilama, Maksimovic, Corekci; Saglam, Aburjania, Dele-Bashiru; Beyaz, Strandberg, Rivas
Pendikspor possible starting lineup:
Canpolat; Sequeira, Ozturk, Sulungoz, Asan; Kaya, Akdag, Midtsjo; Kappel, Yardimci, Akbunar
We say: Hatayspor 1-0 Pendikspor
Hatayspor, desperate to end their slide, will be backed by their passionate home crowd. However, Pendikspor have picked up most of their points on the road and should not be underestimated.
Expect a tight encounter with Hatayspor edging it, fueled by the need for a morale-boosting victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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