Konyaspor play host to Ankaragucu on Monday looking for the victory which would keep the club in contention for the top six in the Super Lig standings.
Meanwhile, sitting just five points clear of bottom spot, the visitors are eager to improve on a run of three defeats in four games.
Match preview
After their remarkable third-placed finish in 2021-22, Konyaspor were always going to be up against it to replicate that achievement, but their fans would have expected more than they have currently received.
Just two wins have been posted in their last 12 outings, one of those coming versus the team sitting in bottom spot, and it has left Anadolu Kartali cut adrift of the top six.
As it stands, the gap stands at five points, and although closing that deficit is a possibility, Aleksandar Stanojevic is aware that his side are far away from producing the kind of form required.
Three thrilling draws had been recorded before the home fixture with Besiktas, a game where Konyaspor led early before conceding twice during the final quarter to lose by a 2-1 scoreline.
That represented just their second defeat at the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Stadium, but their winless streak on familiar territory now stands at five.
As far as Ankaragucu are concerned, they have warmed into their first campaign back in the top tier and deserve credit for now sitting outside of the relegation zone.
Just five defeats have been posted in their last 13 games after initially beginning with five matches without success, although it should be noted that they have lost three of their last four outings.
Omer Erdogan's side battled hard against Adana Demirspor last time out in the league before going down by a 3-1 scoreline on away territory.
However, Ankaragucu bounced back in midweek, edging out Besiktas on penalties in the cup after a 1-1 draw, and Erdogan will feel that momentum is in their favour ahead of this contest.
Team News
Amir Hadziahmetovic missed out for Konyaspor against Gaziantep in the cup in midweek, but the midfielder will hope to return to the side for this fixture.
The remainder of the team should be similar from the narrow defeat to Besiktas, although Endri Cekici may be brought into the lineup in a creative role.
Meanwhile, Ankaragucu will have to make do without Lamine Diack who collected his fourth yellow card of the season versus Demirspor.
Ghayas Zahid and Pedrinho are both pushing for a recall in midfield with Taylan Antalyali also missing due to injury.
Kevin Malcuit is also a fitness doubt, leaving Firatcan Uzum in contention to start at right-back.
Konyaspor possible starting lineup:
Sehic; Oguz, Calvo, Demirbag, Guilherme; Dikmen, Hadziahmetovic; Michalak, Cekici, Bytyqi; Diouf
Ankaragucu possible starting lineup:
Gungordu; Uzum, Cankaya, Radakovic, Xavier; Kilinc, Pedrinho, Cigerci, Zahid, Beridze; Sowe
We say: Konyaspor 2-1 Ankaragucu
With Ankaragucu in marginally better form, many will give the visitors every chance of causing a surprise against Konyaspor. Nevertheless, despite their recent disappointing form, the home side have a solid record on familiar territory, leading us to predict a narrow win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
