Two sides currently enjoying a rich vein of form will do battle on Sunday when Alanyaspor face Trabzonspor in the Super Lig.
The hosts have not tasted defeat in any of their last nine competitive outings, while the league leaders are unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions.
Match preview
Alanyaspor are firmly in the hunt for European qualification with Sunday's hosts just a point behind the top four.
After claiming a penalty shootout win over Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Cup, Alanyaspor collected an away point when they faced Kasimpasa last weekend.
Wilson Eduardo gave the visitors the lead in that contest, but goals from Mamadou Fall and Jackson Muleka turned the game on its head before Efkan Bekiroglu equalised to secure Alanyaspor a point.
Although they have won just five home league games this season, Alanyaspor have proven to be clinical in the final third on home turf, having scored 24 goals at the Bahcesehir Okullari Stadium - only Gaziantep have netted more at home.
Francesco Farioli's side have been quick starters this term, having scored more goals (9) in the opening 15 minutes of games than any other side in the Super Lig, and the hosts will be looking to assert their authority early on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Trabzonspor remain on course to claim the Super Lig title for the first time since 1984 after they collected a fourth consecutive victory in all competitions against Konyaspor in their most recent outing.
Facing their closest challengers, Trabzonspor knew an away fixture against second-placed Konyaspor would be pivotal in their quest for a seventh Super Lig crown.
Edin Visca played a key role in the 2-1 victory, scoring either side of half time and although Sokol Cikalleshi pulled a goal back for Konyaspor, the league leaders held on to increase their advantage at the top to 11 points.
Abdullah Avci has overseen an impressive home record this term, with his side emerging victorious in nine of their 12 league away matches, while they have only lost once on their travels in the league this season.
Currently boasting the best defensive away record in the Turkish top flight, Trabzonspor will be confident of restricting their hosts on Sunday.
- D
- W
- W
- W
- D
- D
- W
- W
- W
- D
- W
- D
- W
- D
- D
- W
- W
- W
- D
- D
- W
- W
- W
- W
Team News
Juanfran is expected to return to the Alanyaspor lineup after missing the last league encounter through suspension.
Meanwhile, Christian Borja came on at half time against Kasimpasa, and he is expected to come into the home side's backline on Sunday.
Farioli could also bring Famara Diedhiou into the starting XI, which would give the Senegal international his first start for Alanyaspor in 2022.
As for the league leaders, Bruno Peres is set to come in at right-back after serving a one-match suspension, which would enable Dorukhan Tokoz to return to his preferred midfield position.
Avci may also be tempted to bring Marek Hamsik into the midfield, after the Slovakia international returned from injury to play the last 20 minutes against Konyaspor.
Andrea Cornelius is expected to retain his place up front as he looks to add to the 11 league goals that he has scored this season.
Alanyaspor possible starting lineup:
Marafona; Juanfran, Bayir, Aksoy, Borja; Novais, Bekiroglu, Akbaba; Candeias, Eduardo, Diedhiou
Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:
Cakir; Peres, Denswil, Hugo, Puchacz; Hamsik, Tokoz, Bakasetas; Visca, Nwakaeme, Cornelius
We say: Alanyaspor 1-1 Trabzonspor
With both sides enjoying impressive unbeaten runs, we expect this one to be a close-fought contest despite Trabzonspor's large advantage at the top of the table, and we think that both managers may be content with a point apiece on Sunday.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email
