Preview: Ankaragucu vs. Istanbul Basaksehir - prediction, team news, lineups

In contrast to their opponents, Istanbul Basaksehir have made a habit of collecting victories after winning seven of their last eight games in all competitions.

Match preview

After earning promotion back to the top flight at their first attempt, Ankaragucu have taken their time to find their bearings in the Turkish Super Lig.

A goalless draw against Konyaspor on the opening weekend of the season was followed by four consecutive defeats that saw Ankaragucu concede 10 goals.

Amid their winless run, Omer Erdogan took over the reins from Mustafa Dalci as manager, and the new boss guided his side to their first victory of the season in his third game in charge.

Giorgi Beridze and Ali Sowe gave Ankaragucu a two-goal lead in the home meeting with Sivasspor, and although Clinton N'Jie halved the deficit, the hosts held firm to wrap up a crucial win.

Despite claiming three points in their most recent outing, Erdogan's side have no time to rest on their laurels with one point separating them from safety.

While Ankaragucu have had to fight for their first win, Istanbul Basaksehir have racked up victories with relative ease despite being faced with a busy schedule.

Having competed in Europa Conference League qualifying, Saturday's visitors have already competed in 14 matches this season.

Rather than being daunted by their busy schedule, Istanbul Basaksehir have rose to the challenge and as a result, they are unbeaten in all competitions this term.

In domestic action, they are currently in third place after collecting 14 points from their opening six Turkish Super Lig games, leaving them only two points adrift of top spot.

Impressively, Istanbul Basaksehir are still yet to concede in the league this season, while they have won three of their last four Turkish Super Lig matches.

Ankaragucu Turkish Super Lig form:

D

L

L

L

L

W

Istanbul Basaksehir Turkish Super Lig form:

W

D

W

W

W

D

Istanbul Basaksehir form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

D

Team News

After coming off the bench at half time against Sivasspor, Gboly Ariyibi could be in contention for a place in the Ankaragucu starting lineup.

Following his arrival on loan from Galatasaray, Emre Kilinc made his first for his new side against Sivasspor, and he will keep his place in the side for Saturday's contest.

With three goals to his name this season, Beridze is currently Ankaragucu's top scorer, and the 25-year-old will continue to provide a goal threat from the left flank.

As for the visitors, they will have to cope without the services of Mahmut Tekdemir, who is suspended after receiving a straight red card in the goalless draw against Fatih Karagumruk.

Tekdemir's suspension could lead to Berkay Ozcan being brought into the starting lineup to join Lucas Biglia and Deniz Turuc in a midfield three.

Meanwhile, summer signing Philippe Keny is expected to retain his place in the frontline, with the forward looking to add to the single goal that he has scored for his new side.

Ankaragucu possible starting lineup:

Akkan; Ceylan, Radakovic, Mujakic, Marlon; Cigerci, Antalyali; Ariyibi, Kilinc, Beridze; Sowe

Istanbul Basaksehir possible starting lineup:

Babacan; Sahiner, Duarte, Ndayishimiye, Lima; Biglia, Turuc, Ozcan; Traore, Chouiar, Keny

We say: Ankaragucu 0-2 Istanbul Basaksehir

With Istanbul Basasehir still undefeated and yet to concede a league goal this season, we think that they will claim a fairly comfortable victory over an Ankaragucu side who are still finding their feet in the top flight.

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