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

The visitors could finish the weekend outside of the drop zone, but their hosts are certain to head into the World Cup break inside the relegation places regardless of results this weekend.

Match preview

It has been a struggle for Istanbulspor since their promotion to the top tier, picking up just two wins from their opening 12 games.

Their last league win came on October 3, but they did beat Etimesgut Belediyespor from the third tier in the fourth round of the Turkish Cup on Thursday, coming from two goals down in the opening 10 minutes to win the tie in extra time thanks to goals from Jetmir Topalli, Eduard Rroca and Mehmet Yesil.

Istanbulspor are yet to win at home in the league, however, with their last game at the Necmi Kadioglu Sports Complex resulting in a 5-2 thrashing by league-leaders Fenerbahce.

They have conceded the most goals in the division with 25, and they also have the league's worst goal difference after only scoring 12 times with Topalli and winger Valon Ethemi finding the net four times apiece.

A win this weekend would take them level on points with their opponents, just a solitary point away from safety.

All three of Hatayspor's wins this season came in October, including a shock triumph over Besiktas three games ago.

They did lose their last away game, a 4-1 defeat at Ankaragucu, but followed that up with a credible point in an entertaining game with Istanbul Basaksehir when a 91st-minute equaliser from the away side broke Hatayspor's hearts after they had led courtesy of goals from Bertug Yildirim, Ayoub El Kaabi and Ze Luis.

They started the season in abysmal form, losing five of their opening six games, but turned that around with 10 points from a possible 18 in their next six, which has seen them climb to within a point of safety.

Hatayspor have struggled for goals so far as they have the joint-fewest number of goals this season but, like their general form, have improved in the last month or so, scoring nine of their 11 goals in that time.

A win in this game could see them rise as high as 13th, depending on results elsewhere.

Istanbulspor Turkish Super Lig form:

W

L

L

L

L

L

Hatayspor Turkish Super Lig form:

W

W

L

W

L

D

Team News

Adil Mehremic is suspended for the hosts, so Michael Ologo should deputise in his place at the heart of the defence.

Istanbulspor are also without Eslem Ozturk, who is out until next year, and Denis Kovacevic will miss the game as he is short of match fitness.

Hatayspor also have suspension issues themselves - Ognjen Vranjes will miss the game after accumulating too many yellow cards.

Yildirim is a doubt so Luis should start up front as the lone striker, and the visitors are also without Christian Atsu and Kevin Soni after both players had operations in recent weeks.

Istanbulspor possible starting lineup:

Jensen; Berber, Ologo, Erdogan, Yasar; Topalli, Rroca, Kabasakal, Cajic, Ethemi; Yilmaz

Hatayspor possible starting lineup:

Kardesler; Corekci, Falette, Oksuz, Adekugbe; Kaabi, Aabid, Ergun, Ribeiro, Lobzhanidze; Luis

We say: Istanbulspor 1-2 Hatayspor

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