The Turkish Super Lig returns with a fresh set of fixtures as relegation-threatened play host to Istanbulspor at the Necmi̇ Kadioglu Sports Complex on Monday.
Both sides head into the game off the back of contrasting results, with the Red Lightning picking up a comfortable home victory in last Thursday's clash against Kayserispor.
Match preview
With just 15 games to go before the end of the season, Istabulspor will have to turn their fortunes around sooner rather than later if they hope to extend their two-year stint in the Turkish top flight.
Having finished just one point above the relegation zone last season, Osman Zeki Korkmaz's men find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table with just 10 points, 13 points away from safety.
Istanbulspor were no match for a star-studded Galatasaray in midweek as they suffered a 3-1 defeat against the league leaders when both sides squared off at Rams Park.
In a game where Mendy Mamadou received his marching orders, David Sambbisa put the visitors in front with a 28th-minute strike, but a brace from Karem Akturkoglu and Mauro Icardi's 92nd-minute penalty helped Galatasaray turn the game on its head.
Prior to that, Istanbulspor snapped their run of six consecutive games without a win last Monday when they picked up a 1-0 victory against Kayserispor at the Kadir Has Stadium courtesy of a 95th-minute strike from Ali Yasar.
The Bulls' underwhelming campaign has been owing to their struggles at both ends of the pitch as they have scored the fewest number of goals in the league (16) and hold the second-poorest defensive record, with 41 goals conceded in their 22 matches.
While Istanbulspor will be looking to find their feet on Monday, the task becomes more daunting as they take on an opposing side who have scored eight goals and conceded just twice in their last four matches.
Samsunspor moved two points clear of the relegation zone last time out as they picked up a deserved 2-0 victory over Kayserispor at the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadium.
Veteran defender Zeki Yavru gave the hosts a dream start to the game as he opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes before Austrian striker Ercan Kara doubled their advantage with a 57th-minute strike.
Markus Gisdol's side have now gone four consecutive games without defeat across all competitions, claiming one draw and three wins, including a 3-1 extra-time victory at Alanyaspor in the Turkiye Kupasi fifth round on January 17.
Samsunspor have picked up 25 points from 22 matches to sit 15th in the table, and while they will be looking over their shoulder, they head into Monday's game knowing that victory could take them level with ninth-placed Ankaragucu.
However, results on the road offer little optimism as the Red Lightning have won just one game away from home in the league and have picked up the joint-fewest number of points on their travels so far (5).
Team News
Istanbulspor will take to the pitch without 25-year-old forward Mamadou, who is currently suspended after picking up a straight red against Galatasaray last time out.
Former Cambuur man Sambissa opened his account for the season with his strike against Galataraay and the 28-year-old should retain his role in the starting side.
We expect an unchanged back three of Okan Erdogan, Mehmet Yesil and former Adana Demirspor man Simon Deli shielding experienced goalkeeper Alp Arda between the sticks.
Dutch defender Rick Van Drongelen has missed each of Samsunspor's last three matches since coming off with a groin injury against Sivasspor on January 14 and is out of contention for Monday's game.
The Red Lightning will also be unable to call upon the services of 28-year-old forward Gaetan Laura, who has been sidelined since November through a muscle injury.
Istanbulspor possible starting lineup:
Arda; Erdogan, Yesil, Deli; Sambissa, Vorobjovas, Santos, Loshaj, Yasar; Ndao, Gultekin
Samsunspor possible starting lineup:
Kocuk; Yavru, Satka, Ozturk, Bola; Tait, Antalyali; Kilinc, Holse, Fofana; Mouandilmadji
We say: Istanbulspor 1-2 Samsunspor
Samsunspor have turned a corner since the turn of the year and will be backing themselves against an out-of-sorts Istanbulspor side who have won just one of their last seven matches. Gisdol's men picked up a 2-1 victory when the sides met in November's reverse fixture and we are tipping time to come out on top again.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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