Na Monday evening, Caykur Rizespor go welcome Gaziantep FK to Caykur Didi Stadyumu for one serious Turkish Super Lig showdown. The two teams dey separated by just one point for middle of table, and as season dey enter final stretch, both sides dey hungry to gather momentum.
Rizespor dey come into this match with better morale. Dem just hammer Samsunspor 4-1 for Thursday night match wey dem reschedule. That big win don end small wobble wey dem suffer after back-to-back losses to Trabzonspor and Fatih Karagumruk. Before those losses, dem don win three matches straight for league.
Important thing be say, those two losses happen away from home. Once dem return to Caykur Didi Stadyumu, dem find their rhythm again. Rizespor don win their last three home matches, and dem only lose once for their previous six league games for their own ground.
Gaziantep dey come as number nine with 34 points from 28 matches, just one point ahead of Rizespor. But their recent form no too sweet. The Falcons don win just one of their last eight matches for all competitions. Dem no get victory for their previous two league outings—dem lose 4-1 to Fenerbahce, then draw 1-1 with Alanyaspor at home.
One funny thing about Gaziantep season be how dem collect points. Dem get 17 points for home and 17 points for away, with same record of four wins, five draws, and five losses for each side. But their defense dey worry dem—dem concede 12 goals for their last seven league matches.
For team news, Rizespor no go see defender Husniddin Alikulov again this season because of anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Casper Hojer dey suspended because of accumulated yellow cards, but Samet Akaydin don return after serving his own suspension.
Gaziantep go miss Ali Mevran Ablak and Salem M’Bakata, both still down with knee injuries. Badou Ndiaye dey near return after long absence since December, but him still doubtful for this match. Better news dey for attack: Kevin Rodrigues and Denis Dragus don return from injury after making substitute appearances against Alanyaspor, and both dey push for starting positions.
Possible starting lineup for Rizespor na Fofana; Pala, Sagnan, Akaydin, Orak; Antalyalii; Augusto, Laci, Olawoyin, Mihaila; Sowe. For Gaziantep, possible lineup na Bozan; Sangare, Mujakic, Abena; Perez, Kozlowski, Kabasakal, Camara, Lungoyi; Maxim, Bayo.
Rizespor home form and strong recent record against Gaziantep make dem slight favorites. Dem no lose for last three meetings with Gaziantep—two wins and one draw. This Monday clash go be third meeting this season after 2-2 draw for reverse league fixture and 5-2 Rizespor victory for Turkish Cup.
Gaziantep get attacking quality to make match competitive, but Rizespor suppose get edge. The visitors dey struggle for consistency and defensive solidity. Match go kick off 18:00 BST.
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