Preview: Kasimpasa vs. Caykur Rizespor - prediction, team news, lineups

Blighted by their position in the relegation zone, Caykur Rizespor will travel to face fellow strugglers Kasimpasa desperate for three points.

Only one side sits below Rizespor in the Super Lig table, whereas Kasimpasa are hovering dangerously outside the bottom four.

Match preview

With a five-point cushion between themselves and 17th-placed Goztepe, Kasimpasa will be keen to maintain their head above water heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

An invaluable victory against Goztepe last time out helped aid them in their quest for survival somewhat, but the hosts are without back-to-back victories in the league since late January.

In fact, last weekend's triumph was their first win in all competitions since January 23 – a run of five matches.

Prior to their barren spell, Kasimpasa had enjoyed a successful time of things in the league, having won six straight matches between late December and January.

Victories is a currency that Rizespor have very rarely dealt in this season, with their tally of 23 points in 28 games the second-worst in the league.

Just one win in their previous 11 matches has seen Rizespor slump into the bottom four, with their chances of survival diminishing by the week.

Defeat at home to Giresunspor extended their winless run in the league to six games, with their last triumph coming at the back end of January.

One of just six league wins this season for Rizespor came against Kasimpasa in the reverse fixture, with the visitors eyeing up an unlikely double.

It was Kasimpasa's first defeat in this clash since December 2019, with the home side desperate to ensure that lightning does not strike twice.

Team News

The main concern for Kasimpasa's backroom staff heading into this weekend's action will be the number of first-team players currently in the treatment room.

Experienced centre-back Jeffrey Bruma will not be available, as the former Dutch international continues his recovery from injury.

Similarly, Sakib Aytac is nursing a problem, whereas Nabil Dirar is still without a senior appearance this season.

Away from injuries, Awer Mabil will sit the clash out, as the forward is missing through suspension.

On the opposite bench, Fabricio Baiano is also missing through suspension, with the defender likely to leave a huge hole in the Rizespor backline.

The visitors' only other absentee will be Aminu Umar, who is struggling with a muscle problem.

Kasimpasa possible starting lineup:
Taskiran; Hadergjonaj, Donk, Serbest, Elmali; Haspolat, Hajradinovic, Eysseric; Fall, Muleka, Ben Ouanes

Caykur Rizespor possible starting lineup:
Akkan; Albayrak, Holmen, Ponck, Sertel; Dabo, Fernandes, Mendes; Sari, Pohjanpalo, Boyd

We say: Kasimpasa 2-1 Caykur Rizespor

Time is running out for Rizespor should they wish to maintain their position in Turkey's top-flight.

Within touching distance of bottom spot, the wins need to start flowing fast for Rizespor, but it is unlikely that they will come against an equally desperate Kasimpasa side.

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