European hopefuls Goztepe SK will host Antalyaspor in gameweek 20 of the Turkish Super Lig at the Gursel Aksel Stadium on Sunday.
The hosts sit fourth in the table with 31 points, whereas 13th-placed Antalyaspor come into the match hoping to end a three-game losing streak, having suffered a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Trabzonspor in the previous round.
Match preview
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Back in the elite division after a two-year absence from the Super Lig, Goztepe have been punching above their weight and pushing for a European spot.
Stanimir Stoilov's team did not enjoy the best start to life in the Super Lig, posting draws in their first three league outings of the campaign.
However, the Izmir-based outfit have turned their season around, sitting fourth in the Super Lig standings with 31 points, 11 adrift of Fenerbahce who occupy the final Champions League spot.
Key to their success this term has been their remarkable form in front of their fans, with eight of their nine victories recorded at the Gursel Aksel Stadium.
Such is their impressive form at home that only Galatasaray (26) have claimed more points at their stomping ground than Goztepe (25), with Stoilov's men averaging 2.77 points per game – the most in the top division.
Yet to lose on their turf in this campaign and up against Antalyaspor, a team without a win in their last four away matches, the Goz Goz will be full of confidence heading into this fixture on Sunday.
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Elsewhere, Antalyaspor will come into this fixture in a dire situation, having endured a three-game losing streak – with one goal scored in that time – but with a new manager, Emre Belozoglu, at the helm for the first time since his appointment on January 14.
In their last league outing, Antalyaspor were trounced 5-0 by Trabzonspor at Papara Park – suffering their third defeat on the bounce and their ninth loss of the season – their latest result leaves them 13th in the standings with 21 points, five above the relegation zone.
Heading into the contest on Sunday, the Scorpions will be looking to claim their first win in four league matches and a victory to end their winless spell on the road in five encounters.
However, Belozoglu's charges have a mountain to climb given that they are up against Goztepe, who boast the second-best form at home all season.
Another defeat for Antalyaspor on Sunday will extend their losing streak to four matches for the first time since September 17, while they could slip further down the table if both Konyaspor and Sivasspor earn positive results from their respective matches.
Team News
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The home side will be without a number of regulars due to suspension and injuries, including Isaac Solet, who will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
Similarly, David Fofana (knee), Taha Altikardes (thigh), Dogan Erdogan (undisclosed) and Kubilay Kanatsizkus (ankle) are all injured and not expected to be involved on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Romulo, who has 14 goal involvements this season, is suspended for this fixture, and Kuryu Matsuki is expected to start in his absence.
For the visitors, Emre Belozoglu also has his fair share of injuries to deal with ahead of the contest.
Erdogan Yesilyurt is out with a cruciate ligament tear, so is Emre Uzun, both of whom are sidelined for the rest of the season, while Burak Ingenc is out with a meniscus injury.
Additionally, with Soner Dikmen out injured, Ramzi Safouri should be in line to fill the void left by the stricken midfielder; however, Veysel Sari is likely to return to the starting XI after serving his suspension.
Goztepe SK possible starting lineup:
Lis; Gunter, Bokele, Heliton; Silva, Dennis, Miroshi, Nielsen; Tijanic, Juan, Matsuki
Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:
Piric; Balci, Sari, Vural, Thalisson; Petrusenko, Kaluzinski; Safouri, Larsson, Van de Streek; Gaich
We say: Goztepe SK 2-0 Antalyaspor
Considering their record of eight wins and one draw from nine matches at home this season, coupled with the visitors' four-game winless streak on the road, Goztepe are firm favourites to claim all three points in this encounter.
The visitors have also failed to win in their last four meetings with the hosts; therefore, the home side are primed for a 2-0 victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
