Preview: Caykur Rizespor vs. Ankaragucu - prediction, team news, lineups

Caykur Rizespor will be aiming to close the gap to the top four when they host Ankaragucu at the Caykur Didi Stadyumu on Sunday evening.

The hosts sit three points behind fourth-placed Besiktas, while the visitors are four points clear of the relegation zone.

Match preview

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Rizespor's three-game winning run was halted last time out after a 2-0 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir. The Black Sea Sparrowhawks fell behind in the 12th minute to a Dimitris Pelkas goal for Basaksehir.

After failing to find an equaliser, they conceded a second from the penalty spot by Berkay Ozcan in second-half stoppage time.

With 48 points from 33 matches so far, Rizespor have dropped to sixth in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Besiktas with five games remaining.

Ilhan Palut's men will be looking to bounce back when they host Ankaragucu on Sunday. They are currently on a three-match winning streak on home soil and will be aiming to make it four in a row for the second time this season.

However, they are winless in their last three meetings with the visitors, drawing twice and losing once, with the defeat coming in the Turkish Cup in January.

Meanwhile, Ankaragucu's three-match unbeaten run ended with a 2-0 defeat against Besiktas last time out.

Emre Belozoglu's side have 37 points from 33 matches and remain 13th in the standings, four points clear of the relegation zone.

Ankaragucu are without a win in nine consecutive away matches, with five defeats and four draws. They have only managed two wins in 16 away games this season, along with eight defeats and six draws.

Furthermore, their trips to Rizespor have not been successful. They have lost 12 times in 21 visits there with just four wins in that period. They are also winless in their last three trips there, losing twice and drawing once.

Team News

Attila Mocsi was sent off against Basaksehir and will be unavailable for Sunday's clash as he serves a one-match ban.

Okechukwu Azubuike is out of the season with an ACL injury, while Benhur Keser is yet to fully recuperate from a muscle problem.

Janne-Pekka Laine is out with a virus, Mithat Pala is nursing a foot injury while Mame Mor Faye is sidelined with an unknown injury.

Thirty-three-year-old left back Alper Uludag will be absent for Ankaragucu, as he is recovering from a muscle injury and will only return to action later this month.

Nihad Mujakic is suspended for one match after an accumulation of yellow cards, leaving Olimpiu Morutan with an opportunity to be in the XI.

Caykur Rizespor possible starting lineup: Akkan; Sahin, Alikulov, Topcu, Nielsen; Akintola, Olawoyin, Shelvey, Zeqiri; Varesanovic; Minchev

Ankaragucu possible starting lineup: Gungordu; Cetin, Morutan, Radakovic, Karatas; Guneren, Cigerci; Pedrinho, Bassogog, Morutan; Sowe

We say: Caykur Rizespor 2-1 Ankaragucu

Rizespor have been strong at home this season while Ankaragucu have struggled on the road. The hosts have also dominated this fixture at home over the years, making them the favorites for this affair. We expect a close game but the home side should edge it.

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