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

While the hosts currently sit in the Turkish Super Lig relegation zone, the defending champions are in fifth place after avoiding defeat in their last eight league matches.

Match preview

Fatih Karagumruk returned to competitive action with a win over Usak Spor in the Turkish Cup last week, but they failed to follow that victory with a positive result in their league meeting with Adana Demirspor on Sunday.

Fabio Borini restored parity after Emre Akbaba had given Adana Demirspor the lead, but Akbaba scored again before half time, and with Fatih Karagumruk unable to find another equaliser in the second period, they fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat.

As a result, Andrea Pirlo's side are now winless in four Turkish Super Lig games, and they are currently two points adrift of safety.

They also have the worst defensive record in the top flight after shipping 29 goals across their 14 games this season, and they have conceded at least two goals in their previous four league matches.

While they are struggling defensively, only two teams have scored more home goals than Fatih Karagumruk this season, which will provide the hosts with inspiration ahead of Wednesday's contest.

Meanwhile, Trabzonspor progressed to the last 16 of the Turkish Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over Samsunspor last week, before they claimed a crucial 2-0 league victory against Fenerbahce at the weekend.

Maxi Gomez opened the scoring just after the hour mark, and Trabzonspor wrapped up the three points when Trezeguet found the net in the 11th minute of stoppage time.

The victory leaves the defending Turkish Super Lig champions are currently in fifth place, with four points separating them from league leaders Galatasaray.

Trabzonspor will now try to continue their fine run of form on Wednesday, and after losing only one of their last five away league games they will be confident of extending their unbeaten run to nine matches in the Turkish Super Lig.

In their five competitive meetings with Fatih Karagumruk in the 21st century, Trabzonspor have registered four wins and one draw, with three of those victories taking place away from home.

Fatih Karagumruk Turkish Super Lig form:

W

W

L

L

D

L

Fatih Karagumruk (all competitions) form:

Trabzonspor Turkish Super Lig form:

D

D

W

D

D

W

Trabzonspor form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts are expected to be without the services of Efe Tatli, Steven Caulker, Emir Tintis and Lawrence Nicholas.

After serving a one-match suspension, Salih Dursun will return to the matchday squad, although he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Jean Evrard Kouassi featured as a second half substitute at the weekend, and the 28-year-old could be brought into the starting lineup against Trabzonspor.

As for the visitors, they will be unable to call upon Stefano Denswil and Serkan Asan, while Yusuf Erdogan is a doubt for Wednesday's contest.

Edin Visca returned from a spell on the sidelines to make his first appearance since August at the weekend, but after playing 81 minutes, he could drop out of the side for the midweek encounter, as Trabzonspor look to manage his comeback.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Avci may be tempted to make a couple of changes in midfield, with Jean-Philippe Gbambin and Marek Hamsik in contention for starting berths.

Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:

Sen; Biraschi, Baniya, Dresevic, Mercan; Colley, Ozdoev, Ricci, Shukurov, Kouassi; Borini

Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:

Cakir; Stryger Larsen, Bartra, Hugo, Elmali; Hamsik, Gambin; Omur, Bakasetas, Trezeguet; Gomez

We say: Fatih Karagumruk 0-2 Trabzonspor

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