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

The hosts head into this clash on the back of a five-match winless streak while the visitors are unbeaten in their last three league games.

Match preview

Istanbulspor seemed condemned for the drop as they languish at the bottom of the Super Lig with a mere 12 points, a daunting 16 points from safety with just 12 games left to play.

However, Osman Zeki Korkmaz's side salvaged a 2-2 draw in their last league outing against Antalyaspor, thanks to a 99th-minute spot kick converted by Jackson.

Having scored the fewest goals in the league (20) and conceded the second-most (49), it is no surprise to see the Bulls struggle this season.

Istanbulspor will now look to pick up an unlikely point against Besiktas on Sunday, but they are the worst home side in the league, having picked up the least home points, scored the least home goals and conceded a joint-high 25 goals on home soil.

In addition, the hosts have lost their last encounters against the visitors, leaving little room for optimism.

Besiktas made sure they remained in control of their European destiny with a 2-0 win over Konyaspor last time out.

The victory ensured that the Black Eagles remained in fourth place with 43 points, only behind third-placed Trabzonspor due to a better goal difference.

Fernando Santos's side experienced a drop-off in January when they failed to win in three consecutive matches but they have since picked two wins and a draw to refuel their European desires.

However, they will be wary of their recent away record where they have failed to win in their last three attempts.

Istanbulspor Turkish Super Lig form:

W

L

D

L

L

D

Besiktas Turkish Super Lig form:

L

D

L

W

D

W

Besiktas form (all competitions):

Team News

Istanbulspor will be without Simon Deli who is suspended for one match due to accumulated yellow cards.

A front two of Mendy Mamadou and Emir Gultekin is expected once again on Sunday, as the latter looks to add to his four league goals.

For the visitors, Amir Hadziahmetovic has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, while Emrecan Uzunhan's likelihood of returning this term is still uncertain.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Yakup Arda Kilic will have to pass late fitness tests if they are to feature in any capacity.

Leading scorer Semih Kilicsoy, will play from the left side of attack while Milot Rashica plays from the right and Cenk Tosun spearheads the attack.

Istanbulspor possible starting lineup:

Arda; Erdogan, Yesil, Deli; Sambissa, Vorobjovas, Santos, Ozturk, Yasar; Gultekin, Mamadou

Besiktas possible starting lineup:

Gunok; Svensson, Worrall, Colley, Masuaku; Elmusrati, Muci, Fernandes; Tosun, Kilicsoy, Rashica

We say: Istanbulspor 1-2 Besiktas

While Besiktas have been far from their best this season, they will have too much for Istanbulspor to handle This is a must-win for the Black Eagles, and we feel they will rise to the challenge.

Previews by email