Preview: Gaziantep vs. Sivasspor - prediction, team news, lineups

Gaziantep and Sivasspor enter their clash on Saturday in similar form, and only one point separates them in the Turkish Super Lig, with this weekend's hosts sitting in ninth, while Sivasspor occupy 10th spot.

A late push for a top-four finish in the remaining part of this season should not be ruled out by either side, but they will have to put together an excellent run of results, as Gaziantep are currently five points behind fourth place.

Match preview

© Reuters

Gaziantep failed to find the back of the net for a second consecutive game last time out, but they did manage to earn a point in their goalless draw with Antalyaspor.

Having registered seven shots on target, Erol Bulut's side would have been disappointed that a draw was all they could manage on Sunday, but scoring goals has been one of their downfalls this campaign.

Bulut's team are the lowest scorers in the Super Lig's top 15 sides, so every other team apart from those fighting against relegation, but they are much more effective in the final third on their own patch.

Gaziantep remain unbeaten at the Gaziantep Stadyumu, and have netted 21 times in their 10 matches at home, suggesting that their own crowd can expect to see goals this weekend.

Sivasspor have managed to score more goals and concede fewer up to this point in the season, but find themselves one point behind their hosts this weekend, having only won once in January.

Last time out, Pedro Henrique rescued a point for Sivasspor as the winger equalised in the 74th minute, sending their match against Fenerbahce to a 1-1 draw.

Riza Calimbay's side will be keen to leapfrog Gaziantep on Saturday, and that would put Sivasspor in a much stronger position to try and catch the teams aiming to qualify for European football next season.

Sivasspor have not managed to score more than one goal in a single game during their last six Super Lig outings, suggesting that they may need to keep a clean sheet to claim all three points this weekend.

Gaziantep needed to rely on a 92nd-minute equaliser from Joao Figueiredo to claim a point against Sivasspor during their last meeting in September, with the two teams having to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Team News

There are no new injury or suspension concerns for Bulut's side; however, Angelo Sagal and Dogan Erdogan are one yellow card away from receiving a one-match suspension.

Gaziantep will set up in their usual 5-3-2 formation, with Alexandru Maxim leading the line alongside Figueiredo, who is looking to add to his six goals in the division this season.

Furkan Soyalp, Erdogan and Recep Niyaz will continue as the midfield trio, but with just three goals and as many assists between them this season, they offer more defensive protection than attacking flare for Gaziantep.

Leke James and Hakan Arslan are both nearing a return for Sivasspor, having only been sidelined due to injury for a short period of time through January, but Saturday's outing is likely to have come too soon for the pair.

Winger Erdogan Yesilyurt faces a slightly longer spell on the sidelines having been forced off after just 15 minutes against Fenerbahce, and he is not expected to feature again until March.

Dimitrios Goutas came into the back four in place of Samba Camara last time out, and the former is expected to retain his place in the heart of defence alongside Caner Osmanpasa.

Gaziantep possible starting lineup:
Guvenc; Pehlivan, Tosca, Ersoy, Djilobodji, Kitsiou; Soyalp, Erdogan, Niyaz; Maxim, Figueiredo

Sivasspor possible starting lineup:
Vural; Ciftci, Osmanpasa, Goutas, Oguz; Yigiter; Henrique, Kesgin, Cofie, Kayode; Yatabare

We say: Gaziantep 2-0 Sivasspor

Having remained unbeaten at home so far this season, Gaziantep are favourites for this encounter and they should be able to find the back of the net a couple of times, as they have done so in their most recent home matches.

Sivasspor will not make it easy for the hosts, and with both teams close in the table it suggests that Saturday's clash will be a tight affair, but Gaziantep are strong on their own patch.

Previews by email