Preview: Trabzonspor vs. Goztepe SK - prediction, team news, lineups

History beckons for Trabzonspor, with a first Super Lig title since 1984 on the horizon for the league leaders.

Hoping to halt their title procession will be Goztepe SK, who are in desperate need of the points to help aid their battle against relegation.

Match preview

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Leaders since mid-October, Trabzonspor have set the Super Lig alight this season by ripping up the rule book and disrupting the big three clubs in the league.

The standout club in the league this season, history beckons for a Trabzonspor side who have not won a league title in 37 years.

Their form has been near perfect for much of the campaign, with Trabzonspor's last defeat coming all the way back in mid-December – a run of 12 matches.

However, despite their strong form, the league leaders were held last time out when they threw away a half-time lead to draw 1-1 against 10-men Fenerbahce.

Goztepe will travel to Trabzon knowing their Super Lig status is under threat as they enter the weekend inside the bottom four.

Five points behind 16th-placed Giresunspor, Goztepe will be wary that time is running out should they wish to save their place in the top flight.

A visit to Trabzonspor is perhaps the worst place for Goztepe's survival bid to begin, with the visitors winless against Saturday's opponents in their last four meetings.

Losing all four of those clashes, the hosts will be hoping to extend their 15-point lead at the top of the Super Lig with a fifth consecutive victory this weekend.

Team News

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Despite their lofty position at the top of the table, Trabzonspor do face a mini-injury crisis ahead of Saturday's match.

Cult-hero Marek Hamsik is struggling with a calf injury, and is unlikely to make the cut for the Goztepe clash.

Vitor Hugo will most definitely not be involved as he recovers from a broken leg, whereas both Ismail Koybasi and Dorukhan Tokoz are also missing with niggles.

It is likely that the hosts will once again turn to Andreas Cornelius for their attacking output, with the forward having netted 12 goals for the season so far.

For Goztepe, they are not without any injury problems of their own, with a pair of Bosnians out for the visit to Trabzonspor.

Dzenan Burekovic has been out since mid-January and will not be involved, whilst his countryman Marko Mihojevic is also likely to be absent.

Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:
Cakir; Peres, Denswil, Kaplan, Puchacz; Siopis, Omur, Bakasetas; Nwakaeme, Cornelius, Visca

Goztepe SK possible starting lineup:
Egribayat; Arslanagic, Nukan, Angel; Alici, Nwobodo, Kara, Moubandje; Tannane, Ndiaye, Di Santa

We say: Trabzonspor 3-0 Goztepe SK

Trabzonspor have been irresistible at times this season and have been well worthy of their hefty lead in the Super Lig table.

Unable to take three points last time out, expect them to bounce back in style with a victory against Goztepe this weekend.

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