After closing out last year with a defeat that brought an end to their four-match unbeaten run, Antalyaspor will be eager to begin the new year on a high note by securing victory over Eyupspor in Saturday's Turkish Super Lig clash.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be aiming to reclaim their place in the top four, having slipped out following a two-match winless streak.
Match preview
© Imago
Antalyaspor's promising run came to an abrupt halt with a 2-0 defeat away at Gaziantep, in a match where they struggled for creativity in attack, managing just one shot on target.
Prior to that setback, the Scorpions were unbeaten in six consecutive matches across all competitions, claiming five wins, three of which came in the Super Lig.
Alex de Souza's men have dropped to ninth in the standings following the loss, having accumulated 21 points from 16 league matches, leaving them seven points adrift of the top four.
The hosts will aim for an immediate response when they welcome Eyupspor, and they have reason to be optimistic, given their impressive home form, which has seen them secure three consecutive victories.
Furthermore, the Scorpions have dominated past meetings with the visitors, winning four and drawing one of their five encounters, remaining unbeaten in this fixture – however, this will mark the first-ever top-flight clash between the two sides.
© Imago
Meanwhile, one of this season's standout performers, Eyupspor, will aim to make history by securing their first win against Antalyaspor, further enhancing what has been an impressive campaign so far.
Arda Turan's side currently sit fifth in the table with 27 points from 17 matches, just one point behind fourth-placed Goztepe, who have a game in hand.
However, recent weeks have been challenging for the newly promoted side, with just one victory in their last five league outings, alongside two draws and two defeats.
In their most recent league fixture, Eyupspor put in a resilient display to hold league giants Fenerbahce to a 1-1 draw in their final match of 2024.
The visitors, though, will need to elevate their away performances to match their home form, having secured just one win in their last seven league games on the road.
- W
- W
- D
- W
- W
- L
- L
- D
- W
- L
- W
- D
Team News
© Imago
Antalyaspor will remain without their first-choice left-back, Erdogan Yesilyurt, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, with Mert Yilmaz the likely candidate to deputise in his absence.
Emre Uzun has sustained a long-term injury and will not feature again this season, while Erdal Rakip is suspended after getting sent off last time out.
Guray Vural is also out with a muscle injury and is not expected to return for a few weeks; Bahadir Ozturk is listed as doubtful for this encounter.
For the visitors, Fredrik Midtsjo and Taskin Ilter are both recovering from long-term injuries and have been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Recep Niyaz and Tasos Chatzigiovanis, neither of whom were likely to feature in the starting line-up, are also unavailable due to injuries.
Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:
Piric; Yilmaz, Sari, Kelven, Vural; Kaluzinki, Petrusenko; van de Streek, Larsson, Dikmen; Gaich
Eyupspor possible starting lineup:
Ozer; Vezo, Claro, Yalcin, Erkin; Kabaskal, Tokoz, Akbaba; Akbunar, Thiam, Kutucu
We say: Antalyaspor 2-1 Eyupspor
Eyupspor have been largely impressive this campaign, but their struggles on the road remain a significant concern, and we believe this will hinder them once again.
With Antalyaspor showing consistency on home soil, it is hard to see past a victory for the hosts, although we expect a closely contested encounter.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
