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

Despite sitting in mid-table, neither club is safe from relegation yet with six rounds of games to go.

Match preview

In what remains a devilishly tight battle to avoid relegation in Turkey's top flight, the reduction from four to just two relegation spots may spare both side's blushes.

The two clubs occupy 10th and 11th currently, but a poor run of form from now until the end of the season could drag either into deeper trouble.

Antalyaspor enter the weekend six points clear of Giresunspor in the bottom two thanks to a run which has seen Nuri Sahin's side pick up eight points from their last five matches.

Their trip to face Istanbulspor last weekend proved fruitful as they remarkably came away with a point despite going behind on three occasions.

Haji Wright scored the late equaliser in that 3-3 draw to bag himself a brace and take his tally to an impressive 15 goals for the season.

The USA international has been crucial in keeping Antalyaspor away from immediate danger, scoring almost 40% of their league goals this season.

Sivasspor find themselves in a slightly worse position despite being a place and point ahead of their upcoming opponents.

They have played a game more than most of the sides below them, and many are within reach should they win their games in hand.

Riza Calimbay's men should come into this clash high on confidence though, after taking advantage of an early red card to thrash Trabzonspor 4-1 last weekend.

Former Leeds United man Samu Saiz continues to be an influential factor in their push to survive since arriving from Girona in January.

With six goal contributions in eight games for the club, he is just one goal away from being their joint-top scorer for the season.

The 4-1 success over the reigning Super Lig champions was the perfect response after losing to Giresunspor the week previously, a result which could have potentially been very damaging.

They may need a result here though as they face a formidable Fenerbahce side next, before facing them again in the Turkish Cup semi-finals.

Antalyaspor Turkish Super Lig form:

L

W

L

D

W

D

Sivasspor Turkish Super Lig form:

L

L

W

D

L

W

Sivasspor form (all competitions):

L

L

W

D

L

W

Team News

Russian defender Fedor Kudryashov is edging closer to a return for Antalyaspor after missing almost three months with injury.

Admir Mehmedi has been ruled out though as the former Swiss international has a muscle issue.

Ziya Erdal is suspended for Sivasspor after picking up a booking in the win over Trabzonspor last week.

Leke James and Ugur Ciftci are both set to be sidelined with injury for the visitors.

After a fantastic win last weekend, it is unlikely Calimbay will make any unenforced changes to his side.

Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:

Helton Leite; Balci, Sari, Uzunhan, G Vural; Akyol, Fernando, Larsson; Ndao, Wright, Sinik

Sivasspor possible starting lineup:

A S Vural; Paluli, Appindangoye, Goutas, Erdal; Arslan, Charisis, Samu Saiz; Yesilyurt, Yatabare, Gradel

We say: Antalyaspor 2-2 Sivasspor

Both sides have been in fine form in front of goal, but still leave a fair bit to be desired in defence, so goals could be on the cards here.

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