Preview: Ankaragucu vs. Galatasaray - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are struggling to stay clear of the relegation zone while the visitors took advantage of Fenerbahce's slip to become the league leaders.

Match preview

Ankaragucu have only taken one point from their previous three league outings after following the defeat to Fenerbahce and a goalless draw against Sivasspor with another defeat to Konyaspor last weekend.

Louka Prip's goal was the difference as the game ended 1-0 in favour of Konyaspor at the Konya Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium.

With two points separating them from the drop zone, Emre Belozoglu's side still have work to do if they are to extend their stay in the top flight into a third consecutive season.

However, their next game is not any easier, as the Ankara-based side come up against the league leaders, a side they have lost to in their last three meetings.

Galatasaray resumed European action on Thursday, picking up a 3-2 victory at home against Sparta Prague in the first leg of their Europa League knockout playoff, despite playing with ten men for about 30 minutes.

Kerem Demirbay gave the Lions a first-half lead but Angelo Preciado levelled the game two minutes into the second half. Dries Mertens restored the lead on the hour mark, but Gala were reduced to ten men two minutes later when Victor Nelsson received a straight red.

It did not take long for Sparta Prague to take advantage with Jan Kuchta leveling the game for the second time three minutes later.

With the game headed for a draw, Mauro Icardi stepped up in stoppage time to grab the winner and give the Lions the advantage ahead of the return leg.

The Europa League victory capped a good week for Okan Buruk's men who took advantage of Fenerbahce's slip-up to climb to the top of the Super Lig after a 2-0 win over Istanbul Basaksehir.

Maintaining their lead will be Gala's focus as they travel to face Ankaragucu on Sunday, as they know any slip-up could hand the first position back to Fener.

Ankaragucu Turkish Super Lig form:

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Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig form:

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Galatasaray form (all competitions):

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Team News

Ankaragucu will be without the services of defender Alper Uludag who has missed the last couple of matches with a knee injury.

A front three of Ali Sowe, Olimpiu Morutan and Renaldo Cephas is expected, while Tolga Cigerci plays the holding role.

Galatasaray will be without winter signing Serge Aurier, who is struggling with a back injury.

Hakim Ziyech will also be missing as he is still recovering from a thigh injury that will keep him out until next month.

Icardi will spearhead the attack once again, receiving support from Mertens.

Ankaragucu possible starting lineup:

Gungordu; Kitsiou, Radakovic, Mujakic, Hanousek; Pedrinho, Cigerci, Guneren; Morutan, Cephas, Sowe

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:

Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Sanchez, B.A. Yilmaz; Demirbay, Torreira; Zaha, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi

We say: Ankaragucu 0-2 Galatasaray

Galatasaray look unstoppable at the moment and we expect them to pick up another win here. The hosts are also struggling which makes it a pretty straightforward prediction. The Lions seem to be taking well to the pressure of the title race and we expect their stingy defence to also keep another clean sheet.

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