Preview: Istanbul Basaksehir vs. Fatih Karagumruk - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams at complete opposite ends of the Turkish Super Lig will meet on Sunday when second-placed Istanbul Basaksehir will welcome Fatih Karagumruk.

The hosts have had a strong start to the campaign having yet to lose a league game, meanwhile the visitors have only secured one victory so far.

Match preview

Istanbul have been putting together some fantastic performances so far this season, and their undefeated start has led to them sitting second in the table after the opening five games.

The squad have not even conceded a goal in the league yet, having a perfect defensive record that will bring them plenty of confidence.

The defensive performances are something that they have carried into the Europa Conference League as well, having kept clean sheets in both of their group games to this point as well.

While Istanbul have been defensively sound they have not held back offensively either, and that was on display in midweek against Fiorentina where they won 3-0.

Former Chelsea star Bertrand Traore has been a key part of the squad so far this season as well, and he scored the winner in their most recent league encounter, with the club now pushing to try and finish the weekend on top of the league.

The visitors have not been enjoying as much success at the start of the season as their opponents, having only won one of their fave games to date.

That victory came in game week three where they defeated Ankaragucu, who are currently bottom of the league, by four goals to one.

Since that win Fatih Karagumruk have stepped up their performances, putting together a three-match undefeated run overall following consecutive draws.

Their most recent outing took place against Giresunspor, and the squad left it until very late to secure a point when Mbaye Diagne scored a 92nd-minute equaliser.

While Fatih Karagumruk's results have improved recently, the club remains just a point above the relegation zone, putting plenty of pressure on this particular fixture.

Team News

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Mezut Ozil was able to return to the Istanbul squad in midweek, and while he was only able to feature as a substitute there is a chance he could now be ready to start from the first minute.

Traore was also used from the bench in that game but once again he found the back of the net after being brought on, and he might push to regain his starting spot this time around.

Diagne proved himself to be vital as the lead striker last weekend with his late goal, and after another impressive performance he is likely going to retain his position in the team.

However, Fatih Karagumruk will likely continue to be without Samed Onur and Efe Tatli at the weekend as they are both dealing with ankle problems.

Istanbul Basaksehir possible starting lineup:

Babacan; Sahiner, Duarte, Ndayishimiye, Kaldirim; Tekdemir, Ozil, Ozcan; Traore, Okaka, Gurler

Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:

Viviano; Erkin, Dresevic, Baniya, Dursun; Ozdoev, Shukurov, Durmaz; Borini, Colley, Diagne

We say: Istanbul Basaksehir 3-0 Fatih Karagumruk

Fatih Karagumruk are obviously going to bring plenty of energy to this match, and they will be pushing to try and take points, but this is going to be a tough challenge.

Istanbul have been effective both defensively and offensively, and they have a lot of momentum behind them right now, which should lead to them getting a comfortable three points.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.