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

13th-placed Apaches defeated Sivasspor 2-1 on Tuesday, moving above this weekend's visitors, but the Bulls were beaten 2-0 by table-topping Galatasaray.

Match preview

Kasimpasa are safe in the standings, evidenced by a nine-point gap they have over the sides in the relegation battle.

While they could mathematically still go down, Giresunspor and Umraniyespor's wretched results suggest the side from Istanbul should compete in the top-flight next season.

Including this weekend's fixture, Apaches also have four league games to play, one more than the two sides occupying the relegation spots, so the likelihood of defeats in all four and victories for Giresunspor in their remaining games is slim.

Kemal Ozdes guided his troops to a midweek victory at Sivasspor, the club's first triumph in five fixtures, ending an eight-month wait for an away win.

Kasimpasa's have picked up decent results on their turf, winning four and drawing one of the last five before a 2-1 loss to Konyaspor in their most recent home fixture.

Returning to winning ways at home keeps them ahead of Istanbulspor, who visits this weekend, as they seek their 11th triumph of 2022-23.

Saturday's visitors are just a place above the relegation scrap, even though eight points separate the Bulls from Giresunspor.

Istanbulspor lost at Galatasaray in midweek, inflicting a defeat in five Super Lig games, potentially puncturing the away side's late-season momentum.

Istanbul's Team have been involved in two 3-3 draws in that time, suggesting an inclination to play attacking football, but that is downplayed by two 1-0 wins in the previous unbeaten run.

Fatih Tekke's team have not won on the road since February 2 and have won just one other road game in 2023, possibly making Kasimpasa favourites on Saturday.

Kasimpasa Turkish Super Lig form:

W

L

D

L

D

W

Istanbulspor Turkish Super Lig form:

L

W

D

D

W

L

Team News

Sadik Ciftpinar and Ali Gholizadeh are out injured and unlikely to feature for Kasimpasa on Saturday.

With Gunay Guvenc suspended, the home side are expected to utilise Erdem Canpolat between the sticks.

Simon Deli is back from suspension after sitting out the loss against Galatasaray, and the Ivorian could return to the lineup this weekend.

Tekke's side suffered no injuries against the champions-elect, so the coach has a healthy squad to choose.

Kasimpasa possible starting lineup:

Canpolat; Hadergjonaj, Djilobodji, Donk, Ouanes; Kara, Malsa; Fall, Eysseric, Chouiar; Koita

Istanbulspor possible starting lineup:

Jensen; Duhaney, Deli, Yesil, Aksu; Rroca, Ba, Ergun; Lokilo, Eze, Ethemi

We say: Kasimpasa 2-1 Istanbulspor

The goals have flowed in Istanbulspor's recent road fixtures, where 15 goals have been scored in three matches.

That should continue on Saturday, even if Kasimpasa are expected to run out victors as they seek a fourth home victory in six league games.

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