Preview: Istanbulspor vs. Adana Demirspor

Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig clash between Istanbulspor and Adana Demirspor, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Already-relegated Istanbulspor will host Adana Demirspor at the Bahcelievler II Ozel Idare Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts are the first team to be relegated from the Turkish Super Lig this season, while the visitors sit 11th in the table.

Match preview
In their first game after relegation was confirmed, Istanbulspor were thrashed 6-0 by Alanyaspor, a performance that epitomises their poor campaign.

The Bulls have 16 points after 34 matches and are mathematically guaranteed relegation. After two seasons in the top flight, Istanbulspor are heading back to the second division following a turbulent season with many lows.

These included changing managers, receiving points deductions, and even walking off the pitch during a match. The Istanbul-based club simply failed to replicate the kind of performance that saw them finish 12th last season.

Their woes could be compounded when they face Demirspor on Saturday. The Bulls have only won three of their 15 meetings against the visitors, losing nine and drawing three.

Adana Demirspor are winless in their last four matches after a 3-0 defeat to league leaders Galatasaray at the New Adana Stadium last Friday.

Despite ending the first half level, the Blue Lightning fell apart in the second half, conceding three goals without reply.

Hikmet Karaman’s side are currently seven points clear of the relegation zone, having picked up 41 points after 34 matches.

Adana’s strength this season has been their strong home form, as their away form has been poor. They are the only team in the Super Lig yet to record an away win this campaign.

However, having won on their last visit to Istanbulspor, the Blue Lightning will be highly hopeful of securing their first away victory, especially against a side with nothing left to play for.

Istanbulspor Turkish Super Lig form:

Istanbulspor form (all competitions):

Adana Demirspor Turkish Super Lig form:

Team News
Eslem Ozturk is sidelined with an ankle injury and is unlikely to feature for the hosts again this season.

Emir Gultekin should lead the line once again, while Florian Loshaj and Modestas Vorobjovas will likely return to the XI after sitting out of the last match due to suspension.

Vedat Karakus and Jose Rodriguez are sidelined for the visitors, with both players nursing muscle injuries.

Mario Balotelli has scored seven goals in the league so far and is expected to lead the line once again, with Stiven Mendoza providing support.

Istanbulspor possible starting lineup:
Arda; Sambissa, Coly, Deli, Duhaney, Yesil; Loshaj, Vorobjovas, Jackson; Mamadou, Gultekin

Adana Demirspor possible starting lineup:
Mahammadaliyev; Atal, Gravillon, Guler, Mohammadi; Akbaba, Maestro; Erdogan, Mendoza, Sari; Balotelli

We say: Istanbulspor 0-1 Adana Demirspor
Adana Demirspor have been poor on the road this season, with no wins so far. However, hosts Istanbulspor are already relegated and have nothing to fight for anymore. We expect the visitors to pick up their first away victory this season here.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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