Kayserisporvs.Istanbul

The brilliant start to life under Sergej Jakirovic took a hit as the Anatolian Star suffered a 2-0 defeat to Besiktas last time out.

Match preview

Kayserispor have shown clear signs of improvement since Jakirovic's arrival, but they struggled against Besiktas, lacking both attacking fluency and defensive composure.

The Bosnian manager will hope that performance was just a blip, as his side fight to secure survival, having remained on 24 points in 17th place, trailing 15th-placed Bodrumspor only on goal difference.

The Anatolian Star return to home soil this weekend, aiming to maintain their strong form at Kadir Has Stadium, where they are unbeaten in three matches, winning two and drawing one.

They will also take confidence from their recent record against Basaksehir, having gone unbeaten in their last four meetings with two wins and two draws.

Kayserispor have also avoided defeat in the last four clashes between these sides at Kadir Has Stadium, winning three and drawing one - although that stalemate was the most recent encounter.

Meanwhile, Istanbul Basaksehir will hope their 1-0 victory over Sivasspor in the last round serves as a platform to build on heading into this fixture.

The Grey Owls took the lead in the ninth minute through Deniz Turuc and could have won by a larger margin had they been more clinical, but that solitary goal was enough to end a two-match winless run.

Seventh in the table with 36 points, Basaksehir sit eight points adrift of fourth-placed Besiktas, and one of their biggest hurdles in pushing for European qualification has been their poor away form.

On the road, Basaksehir have looked uninspired, winning just three of their 11 away matches this season, and they are without a win in their last four away games in all competitions, drawing three and losing one.

Kayserispor Turkish Super Lig form:

L

D

W

D

W

L

Istanbul Basaksehir Turkish Super Lig form:

W

L

W

D

L

W

Istanbul Basaksehir form (all competitions):

Team News

Kayserispor remain without Julian Jeanvier, Anthony Uzodimma and Arif Kocaman, who are all sidelined with injuries.

Duckens Nazon led the line against Besiktas and is expected to start again, meaning Stephane Bahoken will likely begin on the bench.

For Basaksehir, winter signings Christopher Operi and Festy Ebosele are still recovering from injuries and will miss out.

Onur Ergun is also injured, while Omer Ali Sahiner is suspended - however, Jerome Opoku has served his suspension and is set to return to the starting XI.

Kayserispor possible starting lineup:

Bayazit; Sazdagi, Kolovetsios, Atammah, Kaldirim; Karimi, Yilmaz, Bourabia; Cardoso, Nazon, Mane

Istanbul Basaksehir possible starting lineup:

Sengezer; Duarte, Opoku, Ba; Sari, Crespo, Ozdemir, Kemen, Figueiredo; Piatek, Turuc

We say: Kayserispor 1-0 Istanbul Basaksehir

Kayserispor's strong home form and solid record against Basaksehir suggest they will be tough to beat - and despite the visitors' recent win over Sivasspor, their struggles on the road could prove costly, with the hosts eager to respond after defeat.

Written by

Joshua Cole

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