Preview: Gaziantep vs. Istanbulspor - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have failed to pick up a single point from the opening five games, meanwhile, the visitors are actually undefeated in their away performances so far.

Match preview

Gaziantep have had a difficult first five matches in the Turkish Super Lig, losing every game to this point in what has been a period to forget for the club.

A big issue for Marius Sumudica has been the fact his team have only found the back of the net twice this season, which has been problematic.

Considering the 12 goals that Gaziantep have conceded, the team not only has no points on the board but they also boast the worst goal difference in the division, leaving a lot of room for improvement.

Sumudica has claimed he will be making numerous changes heading into this fixture after being displeased with the performance that he saw last time out.

That saw Gaziantep lose 2-0 against Kayserispor, and responding to that result is going to be crucial, especially against another team in the relegation zone.

The visitors might have picked up two points already, but just like their opponents they have failed to win a single game which they will be equally as desperate to change.

Istanbulspor also head into the match on the back of a 2-0 defeat which they will want to put behind them, although they are undefeated away from home so far.

Unlike Gaziantep, Istabulspor have only played three matches so far with their last away game resulting in a 1-1 draw which should put some confidence into the group.

While they might be in the relegation zone Fatih Tekke will be aware they have games in hand on those around them which could give his team a chance to push out of their current situation.

A victory this weekend could lead to Istanbulspor getting out of the bottom four, potentially as high as 12th if other results go in their favour.

Gaziantep Turkish Super Lig form:

L

L

L

L

L

L

Istanbulspor Turkish Super Lig form:

L

W

W

D

D

L

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Team News

Sumudica has claimed that there will be plenty of changes to come for his team therefore wholesale alterations could end up being made.

Janio Bikel is someone who could find himself featuring from the first minute this time around with experienced midfielder Max Gradel being another that could benefit from some switches.

Ibrahim Yilmaz and Jackson are likely to be the strike partners for the visitors as they aim to fire Istanbulspor to their first victory of the season.

The 4-4-2 system provides plenty of structure to the team at both ends of the pitch, and that is something that could be crucial in this fixture.

Gaziantep possible starting lineup:

Sen; Artan, N'Koulou, Djilobodji, Eskihellac; Gradel, Soyalp, Jevtovic, Bikel, Maxim; Riascos

Istanbulspor possible starting lineup:

Jensen; Duhaney, Yesil, Coly, Temel; Loshaj, Ethemi, Rroca, Ndao; Jackson, Yilmaz

We say: Gaziantep 0-2 Istanbulspor

Both teams will see this as an ideal time to get their first victory of the season due to where their opponents are sitting in the table, but it will be an uphill task for Gaziantep.

Considering the fact that the hosts have struggled to score and keep clean sheets, Istanbulspor should be able to edge this one.

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