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

The hosts aim to build on their Turkish Cup success on Tuesday, while the visitors are looking to extend their five-game unbeaten run in the league.

Match preview

Fatih Karagumruk fought back from a goal down to defeat Samsunspor 2-1 on Tuesday, securing a place in the Turkish Cup quarter-finals.

Despite trailing to a Marius Mouandilmadji strike in the 68th minute, the Black Reds rallied with goals from Davide Biraschi and a late winner from Flavio Paoletti in the 89th minute.

However, they suffered a setback in the league, falling 3-1 to Hatayspor, a loss that plunged them back into the relegation zone, sitting 17th with 24 points, just two points above safety.

Next up, they face Pendikspor, a team they have only encountered once in the top flight, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw back in September.

Karagumruk will be aiming to capitalize on their home advantage, boasting an impressive unbeaten run of five matches at home across all competitions, including three league victories.

Meanwhile, Pendikspor travel to Istanbul brimming with confidence after extending their unbeaten Super Lig run to five matches with a 2-1 win over Adana Demirspor.

Early goals from Abdoulay Diaby and Umut Nayir put them in control before a 72nd-minute red card for Halil Akbunar threatened to derail their progress. However, despite conceding a late goal to Nani, they held on for the win.

This victory propelled Pendikspor to 16th in the league table with 26 points from 24 matches, two points clear of the relegation zone.

Their fine form has been the result of a resurgence in attack, scoring 10 goals in their last four league matches, a feat that previously took them 12 games to achieve.

Having drawn their last three away matches in the league, manager Ivo Vieira will be hoping his side can finally convert those draws into a victory on Saturday.

Fatih Karagumruk Turkish Super Lig form:

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L

D

L

W

L

Fatih Karagumruk form (all competitions):

Pendikspor Turkish Super Lig form:

L

D

W

W

D

W

Pendikspor form (all competitions):

Team News

Ahead of Saturday's clash, the hosts boast a fully fit squad, offering Shota Arveladze a wealth of options for selection.

Kevin Lasagna is pushing for a starting berth after coming off the bench to score against Hatayspor and then starting in the cup win.

Serdar Dursun, rested in the cup match, could also return to the starting XI, while Valentin Eysseric continues his supporting role.

Akbunar is Pendikspor's only absentee, serving a one-match suspension after his red card in their last outing, which opens the door for Leandro Kappel to start.

Umut Nayir and Mame Baba Thiam will retain their positions upfront, while Gokcan Kaya and Fredrik Midtsjo remain the holding midfielders.

Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:

Sirigu; Veseli, Dursun, Ceccherini, Mercan; Bertolacci, Lasagna; Teklic, Eysseric, Yalcin; Dursun

Pendikspor possible starting lineup:

Canpolat; Ozgenc, Ozturk, Rassoul, Sequeira; Kaya, Midtsjoe; Diaby, Kappel; Thiam, Nayir

We say: Fatih Karagumruk 0-1 Pendikspor

Pendikspor have been on a good run of form, and we fancy them to maintain their momentum against a Karagumruk side known for their inconsistency. The visitors boast an impressive attacking line, but we believe their resolute defending could be the key to nicking the result.

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