Preview: Adana Demirspor vs. Fatih Karagumruk - prediction, team news, lineups

Despite sitting in 12th position in the standings, Adana are just four points above the bottom four, while the visitors are in 16th place.

Match preview

Although Adana Demirspor went into this campaign being hopeful of an extended run in the Europa Conference League and another challenge for a top-four spot in Super Lig, it has not turned out that way.

They initially bounced back from losing in the playoffs for the former, winning six league matches by the end of October, but their season has since been on a downward spiral.

Just one success - on Christmas Eve - has been posted since the start of November, and it has required numerous draws over that period to ensure that they remain with some breathing space above the bottom four.

Nevertheless, their winless league streak stands at 10 matches, and a fourth defeat in five outings came via a 1-0 defeat at Trabzonspor last time out.

On a positive note, each of Adana's seven victories this season have come at home, Hikmet Karaman's side losing just three of 13 matches at the New Adana Stadium.

Faith Karagumruk may be struggling at the wrong end of the table, but that does not mean that they are not in the running for one of their best campaigns in their history.

Thursday's outstanding 2-0 victory away at Galatasaray has put the club through to the semi-finals of the cup for the first time in their history.

Shota Arveladze may not have impressed during his stint at Hull City, but the Georgian legend now has six wins and four draws from his first 15 matches in charge.

In total, Fatih Karagumruk are on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions, while eight points have been collected from their last five league fixtures to move the club outside of the drop zone by one point.

Adana Demirspor Turkish Super Lig form:

D

L

L

L

D

L

Fatih Karagumruk Turkish Super Lig form:

L

W

L

W

D

D

Team News

Nani and Jose Rodriguez will both be absent from the Adana squad as they serve suspensions, although each player never started the defeat to Trabzonspor.

Youcef Atal will be assessed after coming off during the first half of that fixture, while Edouard Michut is in contention for a recall in midfield.

Mario Balotelli is again expected to lead the line in attack, despite having failed to make an impression in his last two starts.

The away side also have suspension issues with Ryan Mendes having been sent off during the first half of the 1-1 draw with Alanyaspor.

Can Keles could be brought back into the team on the left flank for league matters having been handed a start in the cup on Thursday.

Adana Demirspor possible starting lineup:

Mahammadaliyev; Atal, Gravillon, Guler, Mohammadi; Akbaba, Maestro; Sari, Mendoza, Erdogan; Balotelli

Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:

Sirigu; Sangare, Biraschi, Dursun, Mercan; Rohden, Kourbelis; Mor, Eysseric, Keles; Yalcin

We say: Adana Demirspor 2-1 Fatih Karagumruk

Although the visitors are in the better form of the two sides, the feeling is that Adana will eventually do enough to avoid a relegation battle. This could be the game where they get another crucial three points on the board, perhaps with a late goal in a tight contest.

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