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

Both teams are in midtable, and will look to steer further away from the relegation zone while closing the gap on the sides around the European spots.

Match preview

Ankaragucu's five-game unbeaten run across all competitions was brought to a jarring end in their last outing, a 2-1 defeat to league leaders Fenerbahce.

Tolga Cigerci's early penalty put the Ankara-based side ahead, but Cengiz Under's brace for the away team swiftly turned the tide.

This setback dropped Emre Belozoglu's men to 11th place in the Super Lig, five points clear of relegation and eight adrift of European hopefuls Besiktas.

Friday's hosts boasts a formidable home record, riding a three-game winning streak at the Eryaman Stadium, with victories over Karagumruk and Kasimpasa in the league, punctuated by a Turkish Cup triumph against Rizespor.

However, their impressive home form is countered by a historical struggle against Sivasspor, whom they have only managed to beat twice in their last eight league meetings on home soil.

Meanwhile, Sivasspor snapped their four-game winless streak in the league with a gritty 1-0 home victory over Besiktas.

Rey Manaj's early strike proved the difference, as the Sivas-based side resolutely defended against the Black Eagles' late onslaught.

This hard-fought win propelled Bulent Uygun's men up to 10th in the standings, six points clear of the relegation zone.

The Braves have excelled on the road, where they have collected the majority of their points this season, making them the fifth-best away side in the league.

However, their recent two-game away slump, comprising a 2-0 defeat to Samsunspor and a 2-1 loss to Antalyaspor, casts a shadow over their impressive travel record.

Uygun will be eager to arrest this slide as Sivasspor aims to push for a late charge towards the final European spot.

Ankaragucu Turkish Super Lig form:

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Ankaragucu form (all competitions):

Sivasspor Turkish Super Lig form:

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Team News

Ankaragucu will also be without the services of midfielder Mendes Rodrigues, who is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Cape Verde.

On the injury front, 33-year-old defender Alper Uludag has missed each of the visitors' last seven matches through a knee problem and is ruled out of this weekend's clash, while Efkan Bekiroglu is sidelined with a muscle injury.

Having returned from the AFCON to the line against Fenerbahce, Ali Sowe is likely to do so again, with Pedrinho providing support in midfield.

Sivasspor will continue to be without Ahmed Musa, who is away with Nigeria at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Caner Osmanpasa and Ziya Erdal are both doubtful due to muscle injuries, while Charis Charisis is sidelined as he nurses a hamstring injury.

Ankaragucu possible starting lineup:

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

Sivasspor possible starting lineup:

Vural; Kapacak, Appindangoye, Camara, Ciftci; Pougouras, Kvet, Erdal; Bassan, Manaj, Barrow

We say: Ankaragucu 1-1 Sivasspor

Expect a close encounter, with both teams eager to secure points. Ankaragucu will be keen to swiftly recover from their recent defeat, while Sivasspor's impressive away form all season suggests they will put up a determined fight.

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