Giresunspor will be looking to steer themselves clear of the Turkish Super Lig relegation zone when they host Sivasspor on Sunday afternoon.
Cotanaklar are in 16th place, level on points with 17th-placed Istanbulspor, while the visitors are firmly rooted in mid-table, currently sitting in 12th.
Match preview
Giresunspor are outside of the relegation zone by way of their head-to-head record against Istanbulspor, but they are still in real trouble of going down this season, as their recent form has shown very little way in the of improvement.
Over the previous 10-game period, no side in the division has picked up fewer points than Cotanaklar, acquiring just five, having failed to win a game since a 2-1 victory against Gaziantep FK way back at the end of December.
The main issue for Hakan Keles's side this season has been a lack of goals, scoring just 26 goals in 26 games, the fewest of any side still competing in the Turkish Super Lig, with Hatayspor being forced to withdraw back in February.
Home form has been another major problem for Giresunspor, having only picked up 12 points from their 12 home matches up to this point, although they have managed to pick up some decent draws recently, against Alanyaspor and Karagumruk.
Last time out, Cotanaklar fought valiantly away at Besiktas, taking the lead after 21 minutes courtesy of Riad Bajic, but the third-placed Turkish Super Lig side battled back to secure a 3-1 victory.
Sivasspor may well be up in 12th place, but it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they are drawn into a relegation battle, currently sitting just seven points above the bottom two.
The warning signs were there for the Braves when they suffered a 3-0 defeat away at 17th-placed Istanbulspor back in March, but they have since shown major signs of improvement, putting in some good performances in recent weeks.
Riza Calimbay's side ran out 2-0 winners against Ankaragucu in the match that immediately followed the loss to Istanbulspor, before picking up a decent point against Istanbul Basaksehir in their last match.
For large parts of the season, Sivasspor have been very solid on their travels, picking up 16 points, the ninth-best record in the division, which bodes well heading into Sunday's game, as does their recent record against Giresunspor.
The Braves are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Sunday's opponents, most recently running out 3-0 winners back in October, courtesy of goals from Mustafa Yatabare, Dia Saba and Hakan Arslan.
Team News
Giresunspor do not have any fresh injury concerns heading into Sunday's game, but Keles may choose to make a few changes, as his side need to find some inspiration from somewhere at this stage of the season.
Vukan Savicevic could come in for Gorkem Saglam in central midfield, while Dogan Can Davas could replace Borja Sainz at left-wing, having scored in two of his last three games in all competitions.
Riad Bajic has also been in good form, netting four goals in his previous six matches, and the 28-year-old is poised to lead the line again, in what is likely to be a 4-1-4-1 system.
Sivasspor will have to make do without Robin Yalcin once again, meaning Murat Paluli is set to keep his place at right-back, having started the last three matches.
Max Gradel is the Braves' joint-top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig, with five goals, and the left-winger is back available again after serving a suspension, meaning Clinton N'Jie could drop to the bench.
Giresunspor possible starting lineup:
Kaplan; Bilazer, Arias, Perez, Uludag; Campuzano, Kuwas, Mejia, Saglam, Davas; Bajic
Sivasspor possible starting lineup:
Vural; Paluli, Appidangoye, Goutas, Erdal; Cofie, Yesilyurt, Ulvestad, Sainz, Gradel; James
We say: Giresunspor 0-2 Sivasspor
Giresunspor are sleepwalking towards the relegation zone, having failed to win a single competitive game in 2023, and we cannot see them taking anything from Sunday's game.
Sivasspor are not enjoying the best of seasons, but they have been decent on their travels and won the reverse fixture between the two sides in comfortable fashion.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
