Hataysporvs.Eyupspor

The relegation-threatened hosts are 18th in the table, 11 points from safety, while the visitors are fifth, three points adrift of Besiktas, who occupy the final European spot.

Match preview

Murat Sahin's team have improved tremendously in recent times, having previously failed to register a league win in three months between November and February.

The hosts were winless in Sahin's first four matches at the helm - registering an impressive 1-1 draw against Galatasaray, before three successive defeats to Kasimpasa (5-4), Antalyaspor (3-2) and Samsunspor (2-0).

However, they have won three of their last five top-flight games, including back-to-back wins against Trabzonspor (2-1) and Sivasspor (3-2), before falling to a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Kayserispor in their last outing.

Despite their recent improvement, the Guneyin Yildizi are still embroiled in the relegation scrap, sitting 18th in the standings with 19 points, 11 from safety.

The fans of the home side will hope for a positive result ahead of Sunday's fixture, having claimed back-to-back wins at home, coupled with the fact that the visitors are winless in three successive fixtures on the road.

Meanwhile, Eyupspor have largely impressed in their inaugural season in the top division, but they have struggled recently, especially on the road, with no wins in three encounters.

Maintaining their top division status would have been a remarkable achievement for debutants in the elite division, but a finish outside the top four will now be considered a disappointment.

Currently fifth in the standings with 44 points from 28 matches, three points adrift of fourth-placed Besiktas, who occupy the final European spot, the visitors will be desperate for a win to keep their European aspirations alive.

Winless in their last two league outings with one draw and a loss, the visitors will be desperate for a win to keep in touch with Besiktas in their quest for European football next term.

With a victory in their last league meeting, the away side will be looking to complete a double over Hatayspor to bolster their chances of playing on the continent.

Hatayspor Turkish Super Lig form:

L

W

L

W

W

L

Eyupspor Turkish Super Lig form:

D

L

L

W

D

L

Team News

Lamine Diack is still unavailable for selection, meaning Chandral Massanga will continue in the middle of the park.

Abdulkadir Parmak is suspended for Sunday's fixture, so, Rui Pedro should step up in the absence of the former, while Burak Yilmaz should be called upon to complete the back four, due to the suspension of Francisco Calvo.

Meanwhile, Fredrik Midtsjo is out for the rest of the season, and he is not expected to feature on Sunday.

Ilter Taskin and Leo Dubois are stricken with muscle injuries, and they will not be named in the squad for the trip.

Sinan Gumus and Taras Stepanenko are doubtful for this fixture, and it remains to be seen if both players will be available on Sunday.

Hatayspor possible starting lineup:

Bekaj; Corekci, Kilama, Yilmaz, Sertel; Massanga, Saglam; Boutobba, Pedro, Bamgboye; Aboubakar

Eyupspor possible starting lineup:

Ozer; Erkin, Yalcin, Claro, Vezo; Kabasakal, Kayan, Akbaba; Ampem, Thiam, Mor

We say: Hatayspor 0-1 Eyupspor

Hatayspor have improved in recent weeks, but the problem of inconsistency still persists, and given the quality within the Eyupspor ranks, we predict that the visiting side will claim a slim 1-0 win.

Written by

Ademola Adediji

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