Gaziantep will be looking to secure three successive victories for the first time this season when they welcome relegation-threatened Kayserispor to Gaziantep Stadium on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the visitors, who are battling to retain their Turkish Super Lig status, will be eager to end a six-match winless streak on the road.
Match preview
Gaziantep have endured difficulties on their travels this season, failing to win an away fixture since August—until they defied expectations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over high-flying Besiktas at Tupras Stadium on Monday.
It seemed like another disappointing away day for GFK when Ciro Immobile converted a 31st-minute penalty to put Besiktas ahead, but they showed resilience, as Alper Kizildag levelled the score with a well-taken header just past the hour mark, breathing new life into the contest.
Their resolve was further tested when Bruno Viana was sent off in the 77th minute for a second bookable offence, but Selcuk Inan's side refused to back down, as Furkan Soyalp stepped up with a fine finish in the 87th minute to clinch all three points in dramatic fashion.
It has been a season of recovery for Gaziantep, who struggled early on, failing to win any of their opening six matches, but have since stepped things up and climbed to a comfortable eighth place with 35 points, well clear of the relegation battle.
This weekend, they have an opportunity to register three consecutive wins for the first time this campaign, and playing on home turf should bolster their chances, having collected the joint-fourth highest number of points at home this season.
However, history is not on their side in this fixture. Gaziantep have failed to beat Kayserispor in their last eight meetings, losing three and drawing five, including the most recent two encounters.
The visitors, meanwhile, have shown improvement under new manager Sergej Jakirovic, although their poor away form remains a concern.
The Anatolian Star have failed to win any of their last six away matches, drawing two and losing four – however, only two of those games have come under Jakirovic, which was a 1-1 draw at Eyupspor and a 2-0 defeat at Besiktas.
The loss at Besiktas marked Jakirovic's first setback as Kayserispor boss, but his side responded well, claiming a convincing 3-1 home victory over Istanbul Basaksehir last time out.
Despite that win, Kayserispor remain in the relegation zone due to results elsewhere, with Sivasspor and Bodrum—both level on points—also securing victories, while the former hold a superior goal difference, keeping the Anatolian Star inside the drop zone.
- L
- W
- L
- L
- W
- W
Team News
Gaziantep could once again turn to Burak Bozan in goal, with first-choice goalkeeper Sokratis Dioudis yet to fully recover from injury.
Viana is suspended following his red card last time out, paving the way for Ertugrul Ersoy to slot into the back three alongside Kizildag and Anel Husic.
Kayserispor remain without Julian Jeanvier, Anthony Uzodimma and Arif Kocaman, who are all sidelined with injuries.
Additionally, Ramazan Civelek is unavailable due to suspension after accumulating too many yellow cards.
Gaziantep possible starting lineup:
Bozan; Ersoy, Kizildag, Husic; Sorescu, Ndiaye, Ozcicek, Okereke; Maxim, Kozlowski; Boateng
Kayserispor possible starting lineup:
Bayazit; Sazdagi, Kolovetsios, Atammah, Carole; Karimi, Yilmaz, Bourabia; Cardoso, Nazon, Mane
We say: Gaziantep 2-1 Kayserispor
Gaziantep have established themselves as one of the strongest home sides in the league, with their only defeat at Gaziantep Stadium since August coming against league leaders Galatasaray.
Kayserispor have shown signs of progress under their new manager, but their poor away form remains a significant concern, and we anticipate that their struggles on the road will once again be laid bare by the hosts, who will look to capitalise on their home advantage.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
body check tags ::
Previews by email
