Istanbulspor will be looking to move out of the Super Lig relegation zone when they entertain Antalyaspor at the Necmi Kadioglu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Despite Saturday's win over Istanbul Basaksehir, the Bulls remain inside the bottom four on goal difference, while Antalyaspor find themselves five points clear in 10th place.
Match preview
Istanbulspor ended a three-game losing run with a 1-0 victory over Basaksehir last time out, courtesy of Emeka Eze's first goal for the club following his January move from second-tier outfit Eyupspor.
Having fallen to Besiktas, Fatih Karagumruk and Ankaragucu in the lead-up to Saturday's clash, it was vital that Fatih Tekke's side ended their losing streak to remain within touching distance of top-flight safety.
Although the Bulls have lost 16 of their 27 league matches this season – picking up eight wins and three draws along the way – they are still in with a chance of beating the drop thanks to the congested nature of the table.
With the bottom 10 teams separated by just nine points, Istanbulspor will be hopeful of maintaining their impressive home form and climbing the standings in the coming weeks.
Not only have Tekke's men won three of their last four home games, but they have also won four of their previous seven, with victories over Kasimpasa, Alanyaspor and Sivasspor preceding last weekend's triumph.
While Istanbulspor have enjoyed plenty of success on home soil of late, Antalyaspor have struggled on the road, failing to win any of their last eight away league matches.
The Scorpions have taken just three points from a possible 24 on their travels since winning at Sivasspor back in October, with four defeats coming in their previous six encounters away from home.
When you look at the bigger picture, Antalyaspor have only managed to win two of their 13 league games on the road this season, giving them the third-worst away record in the division.
It is worth remembering, however, that Nuri Sahin's men secured a solid 3-1 victory over Alanyaspor last time out, with Dogukan Sinik, Alassane Ndao and Bertug Yildirim all finding the back of the net to get their team over the line.
With four wins, two draws and four losses coming in their previous 10 league outings, Antalyaspor will be desperate to establish some consistency as we enter the business end of the campaign.
Team News
Istanbulspor have reported no injury problems ahead of Wednesday's showdown, meaning that manager Fatih Tekke may be tempted to stick with the same XI that started the win over Istanbul Basaksehir.
With six goals and two assists to his name this term, Jetmir Topalli looks set to continue at left wing, while Sparta Rotterdam loanee Jason Lokilo is expected to operate on the opposite flank.
The settled backline of Demeaco Duhaney, Okan Erdogan, Simon Deli and Duhan Aksu will continue in front of goalkeeper David Jensen, with Emeka Eze leading the line for the hosts.
As for the visitors, there are question marks over the fitness of Fedor Kudryashov and Admir Mehmedi, as both players have missed the past few games due to injury.
With Mehmedi expected to miss Wednesday's clash, Haji Wright – who has scored 13 goals in 21 league appearances this season – will continue to lead the line for Antalyaspor.
Brazilian midfielder Fernando is likely to be joined by Ufuk Akyol in front of the back four, enabling Alassane Ndao, Dogukan Sinik and Sam Larsson to offer attacking support to the lone striker.
Istanbulspor possible starting lineup:
Jensen; Duhaney, Erdogan, Deli, Aksu; Ba; Lokilo, Ergun, Rroca, Topalli; Eze
Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:
Leite; Balci, Sari, Uzunhan, Vural; Akyol, Fernando; Ndao, Larsson, Sinik; Wright
We say: Istanbulspor 1-1 Antalyaspor
Having both returned to winning ways last time out, Istanbulspor and Antalyaspor will be eager to avoid defeat on Wednesday, so we expect them to dish up a cagey draw as both sides aim to secure top-flight safety.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Ben Morris
