Looking to increase their chances of survival, Pendikspor will hope to pick up a much-needed win when they host Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday morning.
The hosts are unbeaten in their last two matches, while the visitors have failed to win any of their last two coming into this game.
Match preview
Pendikspor's recent form has given their survival chances a welcome boost. After defeating fellow relegation strugglers Istanbulspor on March 15, they followed it up with a goalless draw away at Samsunspor.
Prior to these two games, Pendik were on a worrying run of five straight defeats in the Super Lig. This slump severely damaged their chances of staying in the top flight, currently sitting in 19th place with 30 points, they are just three points from safety with only seven games remaining in the season.
More encouraging for manager Ibrahim Uzulmez, who replaced Ivo Vieira in February, will be the back-to-back clean sheets they have kept. This newfound defensive resilience could prove crucial in the run-in as they fight to escape relegation.
No other side in the Super Lig has conceded more goals this season than Pendikspor (61), which has been the main reason behind their struggles.
They will hope to continue their newfound defensive solidity when they host Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday. However, their record against the Grey Owls is poor, as they have lost five times and drawn just once in six meetings - the most recent being a 4-1 drubbing in the reverse fixture back in November.
Istanbul Basaksehir have failed to win for two consecutive matches, drawing 1-1 with Besiktas last time out. The Grey Owls fell behind early when Omar Colley scored in the 16th minute, but showed resilience with Emirhan Ilkhan equalizing five minutes into stoppage time.
Cagdas Atan's side remain in seventh position with 43 points, but they are still four points behind fourth-placed Besiktas with seven games left to play.
Clinching a Europa Conference League spot is still a possibility, but Basaksehir will need to find a way to avoid a third consecutive game without a win. Any slip-up could significantly damage their chances, with up to six sides competing for that spot.
The Grey Owls will travel to Pendikspor for the first time in the top flight, with five of their previous six meetings having come across the Turkish Cup and in the second division.
However, they boast a solid record at Pendik Stadium, winning one and drawing the other in their two visits there, while scoring six goals and conceding just one in those games combined.
Team News
Pendikspor have no injury or suspensions ahead of Sunday's clash, leaving the manager with a wealth of options to choose from.
Umut Nayir should spearhead the attack once again, flanked by January signing Mame Baba Thiam and Halil Akbunar.
Serkan Asan kept his place at right-back last time out and should remain there despite Erdem Ozgenc's availability.
The duo of Patryk Szysz and Efe Arda Koyuncu are both nursing ACL injuries and are sidelined for visitors.
Basaksehir's leading scorer Krzysztof Piatek is expected to lead the line again, as he looks to add to his 13 goals in the league this season.
Pendikspor possible starting lineup:
Canpolat; Asan, Ozturk, Akca, Sequeira; Ndiaye, Midtsjo, Akbunar, Kaya, Thiam; Nayir
Istanbul Basaksehir possible starting lineup:
Babacan; Sahiner, Opoku, Ba, Abeid; Davidson; Aleksic, Figueiredo, Davidson, Turuc; Piatek
We say: Pendikspor 0-1 Istanbul Basaksehir
Istanbul Basaksehir are favorites to win this game against Pendikspor despite the hosts' recent defensive solidity. Basaksehir have always found a way against Pendik and have been much better this season. We expect a slim victory for the visitors in the end.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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