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

Caykur Rizespor take on Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Thursday with the hosts able to move above their opponents in the table by beating them.

Antalyaspor are unbeaten in their last four games, though, so should prove tough to beat.

Match preview

Normally, Rizespor would have survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season having finished one place and three points above the relegation zone.

However, the Turkish Football Federation's decision to scrap relegation and extend the league to 21 teams this season actually places them in more jeopardy this season, with four teams relegated this time around in a move to subsequently reduce the league to 20 teams from next season.

Currently sitting three places and five points above the extended relegation zone, Stjepan Tomas - who became the club's first foreign manager since 2008 after being appointed in August - will be aware of his side's requirement to go on a small winning run at some stage, especially having lost three of their last four league matches.

Tomas's side looked to hold onto their first-half lead too early at Trabzonspor on Saturday, eventually falling to a 2-1 defeat to last season's runners-up.

Antalyaspor, meanwhile, were comfortably mid-table last season, finishing ninth with 45 points.

However, after only taking nine points from their opening nine games, Ersun Yanal's side looked like they may be embroiled in a relegation battle this time around.

Two wins and two draws in their last four matches have eased those concerns, though, with Monday's 2-0 win against Kayserispor demonstrating their quality.

Amilton and Fredy's first-half goals gave Yanal's side a commanding lead heading into the half-time interval, with the visitors only mustering two shots on target across the 90 minutes.

Caykur Rizespor Turkish Super Lig form: WWDLWL Caykur Rizespor form (all competitions): WLLWWL

Antalyaspor Turkish Super Lig form: DLDWDW Antalyaspor form (all competitions): WDWDWW

Team News

Rizespor are without former Chelsea forward Loic Remy due to a muscular problem, with Mykola Morozyuk suspended.

Fabricio Baiano and Abdullah Durak are doubtful, with Dimitris Chatziisaias, Ismael Diomande and Aminu Umar all out for the season.

Antalyaspor, meanwhile, look set to be without Bahadir Ozturk with a muscle injury.

Serdar Gurler, Ufuk Akyol and Jean-Armel Drole are all ruled out with serious knee injuries.

Caykur Rizespor possible starting lineup: Akkan; Bulut, Dilaver, Meriah, Melnjak; Erdogan, Donsah; Michalak, Boldrin, Dos Santos; Skoda

Antalyaspor possible starting lineup: Boffin; Balci, San, Naldo, Kudryashov; Fredy, Sahin, Sam, Podolski, Amilton; Jahovic

We say: Caykur Rizespor 0-2 Antalyaspor

We expect an evenly-matched encounter on Thursday, with the visitors perhaps possessing greater individual quality to edge it.

The likes of Nuri Sahin and Lukas Podolski possess plenty of experience and ability to overcome the opponents.

Top betting tip