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

Samsunspor will aim to extend their winning run in the Turkish Super Lig to three matches when they host Caykur Rizespor at the Samsun 19 May Stadium on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the visitors arrive desperate to avoid a fourth consecutive league defeat that could leave them dangerously close to the relegation zone.

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Match preview

Samsunspor are regaining momentum as the race for European qualification intensifies, with the Red Lightning bouncing back from their heavy defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir with back-to-back league wins, keeping clean sheets in both matches.

A 2-0 home victory over Hatayspor was followed with a narrow 1-0 triumph away at Konyaspor last time out, leaving the hosts firmly in third place.

Thomas Reis's side took full advantage of fourth-placed Eyupspor dropping points in their last two fixtures, extending their lead to six points and strengthening their grip of the Europa League spot.

A win on Saturday would see Samsunspor secure three straight league victories for the first time since their four-match winning streak in September, and they will be optimistic, given their strong home record in this fixture and recent dominance over Rizespor.

The hosts have won 11 of 21 home meetings against Rizespor across all competitions, losing just four, while they have also won the last two encounters between the sides, scoring four goals without reply.

Rizespor, meanwhile, will be determined to avoid a third consecutive defeat to Samsunspor, something they have not experienced since a four-match losing streak between 1991 and 2000, spanning both the first division and the top flight.

However, the Black Sea Sparrowhawk are struggling, having lost three consecutive league games and four of their last five, with a 3-2 victory over Adana Demirspor providing their only respite in that run.

A 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray last time out highlighted their ongoing issues in front of goal, as they struggled to convert chances. That result has left them on 27 points, six clear of the relegation zone.

Rizespor's away form has also been concerning, with eight defeats in 12 matches on the road, while they have lost their last three away fixtures and five of their last six, adding to their problems ahead of this tough test.

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Team News

Samsunspor will be without their top scorer, Marius Mouandilmadji, who is suspended for this clash, and in his absence, Emre Kilinc is likely to lead the attack.

Defender Marc Bola is also ruled out due to accumulated yellow cards, which could see Soner Gonul step in at wing-back.

Rizespor, meanwhile, have just one injury concern, with Eray Korkmaz still recovering from a broken foot.

There is some positive news for the visitors, as Dal Varesanovic and Samet Akaydin return from suspension and are available for selection.

Samsunspor possible starting lineup: Kocuk; Gonul, Satka, Drongelen, Yavru; Yuksel, Bennasser; Dimata, Holse, Muja; Kilinic

Caykur Rizespor possible starting lineup: Grbic; Sahin, Mocsi, Akaydin, Hojer; Olawoyin, Papanikolaou; Akintola, Varesanovic, Ghezzal; Sowe

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We say: Samsunspor 2-0 Caykur Rizespor

Samsunspor are building momentum and will be confident of securing a third straight win, especially against a struggling Rizespor side on a three-match losing streak.

With the visitors' poor away form—losing five of their last six on the road—the hosts should have the edge and claim a comfortable victory in this one despite missing their leading scorer.

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

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