Gaziantepvs.Karagumruk

With both teams fighting for their survival, there is little margin for error with two games to go.

Match preview

Gaziantep might head into this weekend in 16th place, but sitting just a single point above the relegation zone leaves them in a precarious position for the final stretch of the campaign.

A victory on Saturday would put them in a strong position heading into the season's final match, as it would ensure that survival is at least in their hands.

But with three teams chasing them down, and several above them that are still not mathematically safe from the drop, there is a lot on the line this weekend in what is a true six-pointer.

Gaziantep have been slightly stronger at home throughout this season, securing 21 of their 38 points, which should give the team some confidence heading into this fixture.

The fact that Selcuk Inan's men also defeated Adana Demirspor 6-1 last weekend will also have provided the ideal platform for them to use heading into Saturday's match.

The visitors will need to be wary of Gaziantep's strong attacking nature, but they do boast the best goal difference of any team in the relegation battle due to their ability to balance attack and defence.

But a big reason for that is Karagumruk's home performances, where they conceded just 18 goals and scored 31 times.

Their away form has been less impressive, scoring only 14 times and letting in 30 goals, which is one of the reasons they are in this situation. With only two of their nine wins taking place on the road, these matches have proven to be a real sticking point for the team.

They must turn that around immediately because a defeat this weekend could lead to Karagumruk being relegated if both Ankaragucu and Konyaspor are victorious.

The easiest way to avoid that would be to secure three points here. While this might not guarantee that they get out of the relegation zone due to other results, it would undoubtedly give them a strong chance.

The visitors have not won in their previous three matches in all competitions, which is concerning at this stage of the season, especially since they lost 3-0 to Gaziantep earlier in the campaign.

Gaziantep Turkish Super Lig form:

L

L

W

L

D

W

Fatih Karagumruk Turkish Super Lig form:

L

L

W

W

D

L

Team News

Following a dominant 6-1 during their last outing, there is a chance that there will be no changes made to the Gaziantep starting lineup this weekend.

The home side does have several injury concerns to deal with though as Bryan Acosta, Ulas Zengin and Marko Jevtovic are all out of action.

The visitors could welcome Sofiane Feghouli back into the team after he served his suspension, while there are questions mars over Andrea Bertolacci and whether he will be fit enough to feature.

Marcao found the back of the net last time out for Karagumruk, and he will need to find his shooting boots once again as he is expected to lead the line on Saturday.

Gaziantep possible starting lineup:

Nita; Artan, Djilobodji, Ersoy, M'Bakata; Maxim, Monteiro, Nkoulou; Sorescu, Dragus, Eskihellac

Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:

Sirigu; Veseli, Biraschi, Ceccherini, Mercan; Rohden, Kourbelis; Yalcin, Eysseric, Keles; Marcao

We say: Gaziantep 2-1 Fatih Karagumruk

There is a lot on the line for both of these teams this weekend, with each club fighting for survival in the Turkish Super Lig.

While it is guaranteed to be a close fixture because of that, the Gaziantep's recent form being slightly stronger could be the difference maker.

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