Sports Mole previews Friday’s Turkish Super Lig clash between Hatayspor and Antalyaspor, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Two closely-matched sides will face off on Friday when Hatayspor welcome Antalyaspor to the Mersin Stadium for a Turkish Super Lig contest.
The hosts head into the encounter in 10th place with just two points separating them from their opponents, who occupy seventh position.
Match preview
After beginning the campaign with an eight-game unbeaten league run, Hatayspor have experienced a drop-off in form in recent weeks.
Since claiming a 3-1 win over Konyaspor on October 8, they have only been able to win one of their last five Turkish Super Lig games (L4).
They suffered three consecutive league defeats, before they pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over reigning champions Galatasaray.
Although that result sent them into the international period in a positive mood, Hatayspor returned from the international period with a disappointing 2-1 defeat in last weekend’s meeting with Istanbulspor, extending their winless away run to six matches.
Fortunately for Hatayspor, they will have home advantage for Friday’s contest, and that could prove crucial after winning three of their last four home league games.
In contrast to their hosts, Antalyaspor head into the weekend in a confident mood after putting together a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Nuri Sahin’s side recorded four consecutive victories, including three league wins, before they were held to a goalless draw in their home meeting with Caykur Rizespor.
As a result of their fine form, Antalyaspor are sitting just four points adrift of the top four, putting them in contention for European qualification.
They will now turn their attention to Friday’s contest, where they will have the chance to record consecutive away league wins in the same season for the first time since April 2022.
Antalyaspor will certainly draw inspiration from their recent head-to-head record, having won three and drawn one of their previous four competitive meetings with Hatayspor.
Hatayspor Turkish Super Lig form:
Hatayspor form (all competitions):
Antalyaspor Turkish Super Lig form:
Antalyaspor form (all competitions):
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Team News
Right-back Kamil Corecki is unlikely to feature, having missed Hatayspor’s last four matches with an injury issue.
They will also be without Renat Dadashov, who will serve a one-match suspension after picking up his fourth yellow card.
With Dadashov unavailable, Didier Lamkel Ze could move from left wing to centre-forward, while Rigoberto Rivas is set to replace the 27-year-old on the flanks.
As for the visitors, full-back Guray Vural is a doubt after he was forced off in first-half stoppage time against Caykur Rizespsor.
If Vural is unable to take part, Erdogan Yesilyurt could come into the starting lineup to operate as a makeshift left-back.
Having scored five goals in 11 appearances this season, Polish striker Adam Buksa will look to add to his tally when he leads the line on Sunday.
Hatayspor possible starting lineup:Kardesler; Alici, Kilama, Demir, Ghoulam; Matando; Strandberg, Beyaz, Dele-Bashiru, Rivas; Lamkel Ze
Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:Leite; Balci, Sari, Toprak, Yesilyurt; Sari, Rakip; Jehezkel, Safuri, Larsson; Buksa
We say: Hatayspor 1-1 Antalyaspor
Although the visitors are unbeaten in five competitive matches, Hatayspor usually save their best performances for home encounters, and with that in mind, we think Antalyaspor may have to settle for a point in Friday’s contest.For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 2.5:data
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