Round 27 of the Turkish Super Lig resumes on Sunday morning with Sivasspor hosting Pendikspor at New Sivas 4 Eylul Stadium.
The hosts are currently on a four-match unbeaten streak in the league while the visitors have lost their last two matches, putting them at the risk of going down at the end of the season.
Match preview
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Sivasspor stretched their unbeaten streak in the league to four games, picking up eight points from 12 available after drawing two and winning the other two matches.
The Braves started the run with a hardfought 1-0 victory over Besiktas, before a goalless draw with Ankaragucu was followed by another 1-0 win over Caykur Rizespor, and a 1-1 draw with Hatayspor last time out.
Rey Manaj put Sivasspor ahead in the 18th minute but Mehdi Boudjemaa restored parity for Hatayspor in the second half with 15 minutes left to play in regular time.
The run has lifted them to eighth place on the table with 34 points, nine points off the last European spot and six points above the drop zone.
The Braves are back at home where they will host Pendikspor, looking to complete the double over them after a 3-2 win in the reverse fixture.
Bulent Uygun's side are currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak at home, picking up victories in their last two, with the prospect of winning three consecutive home matches in the league for the first time this season.
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After going on a five-game unbeaten run from mid-January to early-February, Pendikspor looked like a side that was going to escape relegation.
However, Ivo Vieira's men head into this game having lost their last two matches, putting their survival hopes in jeopardy.
A 2-0 loss to Fatih Karagumruk was followed by another defeat by a similar score line against Trabzonspor last time out.
Not only have the Istanbul-based club lost their last two matches, they have also failed to find the net in both games which will be a huge concern for Vieira as we approach the business end of the season.
Currently in 18th with 26 points, two points adrift of the first side above the relegation zone, Karagumruk, Pendikspor will need to go on another solid run if they want to remain in the Super Lig for another season.
Their next fixture is not any easier as they return on the road where they have not won in their last seven attempts, losing four times and drawing the other three.
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Team News
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Sivasspor might likely be without Bengali-Fode Koita, who has to pass a late fitness test as he currently nurses a muscle injury.
Alaaddin Okumus, Roman Kvet and Ahmed Musa are all sidelined with varying degrees of injuries.
Manaj will look to add to his club leading 13 goals in the Super Lig as he leads the line once again.
Pendikspor have a clean bill of health ahead of this clash, leaving Vieira with a wealth of options to choose from.
However, the 48-year-old manager could shake things up after seeing his side fail to score in their last two matches.
Sivasspor possible starting lineup:
Vural; Poungouras, Appindangoye, Camara; Paluli, Charisis, Elmaz, Bassan, Ciftci; Njie, Manaj
Pendikspor possible starting lineup:
Canpolat; Ozgenc, Ozturk, Rassoul, Sequeira; Kaya, Midtsjoe; Diaby, Welinton; Thiam, Nayir
We say: Sivasspor 2-1 Pendikspor
Sivasspor are unbeaten in their last four league games and have not lost at home since December. Pendikspor, on the other hand, have struggled in their last two matches and are poor on the road. We expect a home victory but with a close score line.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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