Currently on the longest winless run in the 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig season, Hatayspor will hope to claim their first win of the campaign when they visit Eyupspor at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadyumu on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the visitors are hoping to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches, while also maintaining their unbeaten home run in the top flight.
Match preview
© Imago
Eyupspor were hoping to achieve successive league wins for the second time this campaign, but they could not hold on to a first-half lead away at Istanbul Basaksehir last time out, as the game ended 1-1.
Mame Thiam scored two minutes before the half-hour mark, but Arda Turan's men conceded a penalty just before the hour mark, and could not score another goal in the game.
The Istanbul-based side have taken 16 points, which has left them in fifth place after playing 10 matches, one match more than fourth-placed Besiktas who are four points ahead.
Of the three newly promoted teams, Eyupspor are positioned the highest so far, and they will hope this remains the same after they take on Hatayspor for the first time in the top flight.
Both teams have met five times in the past, four times in the second division and once in the Turkish Cup, with the hosts coming out victorious just once, which was in their first-ever meeting.
© Imago
Hatayspor have remained winless nine games into the new season, leaving them with the current longest winless run alongside bottom-placed Adana Demirspor.
Riza Calimbay's men have only three points so far, as they have lost six times already, including a 1-0 home defeat in their most recent league encounter against fellow relegation battlers Kayserispor.
The Star of the South are second from bottom heading into this clash and are already seven points off the safe zone, leaving them in a similar situation to the previous season when they barely escaped the drop.
However, Hatayspor got a little respite on Wednesday with a 4-0 victory over fourth division side Inegol Kafkas Genclikspor in a Turkish Cup third-round fixture.
It was the first away win for the Star of the South across all competitions since a 1-0 league win away at Adana back in January.
Team News
© Imago
Eyupspor could remain without midfielder Recep Niyaz, who has been sidelined with a knee injury and is expected back within the next couple of days.
Thiam matched Ahmed Kutucu's team-leading four league goals after finding the net last time out, and he will be hoping to take the lead when he leads the line again on Sunday.
Hatayspor could remain without the services of 25-year-old midfielder Chandrel Massanga, who has been nursing a foot injury.
Carlos Strandberg was among the scorers in the midweek Turkish Cup game, and has scored twice in the league this season, making him one to watch.
Eyupspor possible starting lineup:
Ozer; Dubois, Claro, Yalcin, Erkin; Shelvey; Ampem, Kabasakal, Akbaba, Kutucu; Thiam
Hatayspor possible starting lineup:
Kardesler; Alici, Kilama, Calvo, Sertel; Diack; Strandberg, Saglem, Pedro, Rivas; Aboubakar
We say: Eyupspor 2-0 Hatayspor
Eyupspor have been excellent on home soil so far, with three wins and a draw in four home matches, and their current level of performance is far above what Hatayspor have shown they can handle, which is why we are predicting a home win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
