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

Two sides stuck in the relegation zone will face off on Saturday when Istanbulspor welcome Fatih Karagumruk to Bahcelievler Il Ozel Idare Stadium.

The visitors will be relegated if they fail to win this match, while the hosts are three points away from safety with seven games left to play.

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Match preview

Istanbulspor ended their ten-match winless run with a thumping 3-0 victory over Hatayspor at Mersin Stadyumu.

The Bulls, who had not won since January 22, came alive in the second half thanks to goals from Florian Loshaj, Mendy Mamadou and Vefa Temel, in what was their first win with three goals scored all season.

Despite the win, Osman Zeki Korkmaz's side remain bottom of the Super Lig with 16 points, 17 adrift of safety with six games left but defeat on Saturday will confirm their relegation.

However, they will be looking to extend their top-flight status when they host another relegation-threatened side in Fatih Karagumruk, while also aiming for consecutive league wins for the first time this season.

They have lost their last three meetings against Saturday's opposition, failing to score and conceding five goals combined in those games. One of those games was a friendly while the other two were in the Super Lig, the last of which was a 3-0 loss in December.

Fatih Karagumruk's winless run stretched to seven games after a 2-1 defeat against Fenerbahce. They took the lead through Can Keles but were undone by second-half goals from Edin Dzeko and Michy Batshuayi.

With only 30 points from 32 games, Tolunay Kafkas's side languish in 18th place, three points from safety. With five defeats in their last seven matches, they appear out of form and look destined for the drop.

However, they will fancy their chances against the league's bottom club, but their away form is terrible. Karagumruk are the worst travellers in the league, picking up just six points from a possible 48.

Prior to this season, Kara Kirmizi had never finished below eighth place in three top-flight campaigns, but their Super Lig survival depends on snapping their winless run and picking up points quickly.

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Team News

The hosts have a complete squad to choose from as there are no injuries or suspensions ahead of this clash.

Mamadou and Emir Gultekin are expected to remain in attack, with top scorer Loshaj, Modestas Vorobjovas, and Jackson playing in the midfield.

After keeping just his third clean sheet of the season last time out, Alp Arda will man the sticks once more, hoping for another great day at the office.

For the visitors, Ryan Mendes and Valentin Eysseric are suspended for this game after both of them were sent off in the defeat to Fenerbahce last time out.

Flavio Paoletti and Emre Mor are the two players expected to take their place in the XI on Saturday.

Istanbulspor possible starting lineup: Arda; Sambissa, Coly, Deli, Duhaney, Yesil; Loshaj, Vorobjovas, Jackson; Mamadou, Gultekin

Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup: Sirigu; Sangare, Biraschi, Dursun, Mercan; Rohden, Mor, Paoletti, Bertolacci, Keles; Yalcin

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We say: Istanbulspor 2-1 Fatih Karagumruk

Fatih Karagumruk have dominated recent meetings, but Istanbulspor seem to be finally free from the mental shackles that held them following their last win. Both teams are shaky defensively, but we think that the home side could edge this one.

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

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