Preview: Kayserispor vs. Konyaspor
Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig clash between Kayserispor and Konyaspor, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Kayserispor and Konyaspor, both desperate to secure their top-flight status, go head-to-head at Kadir Has Stadium on Saturday.
With just two matches remaining, the hosts hold a four-point advantage over the relegation zone, while the visitors sit three points clear of the drop.
Match preview
Kayserispor’s hopes of survival took a hit last Sunday after a 3-0 defeat to Fenerbahce at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Burak Yilmaz’s side currently occupies 13th place in the table with 41 points from 36 matches, having won only one of their last nine Super Lig fixtures.
The Anatolian Stars finished last season with 47 points and will be aiming to replicate that tally with two games remaining. However, achieving this target requires a win against Konyaspor, which would practically guarantee their top-flight safety.
However, the odds are stacked against the hosts who have not beaten Saturday’s opponents in their last nine league meetings, with their last victory coming in 2019. Furthermore, they are winless in their last four home matches.
Konyaspor’s chances of extending their 11-year stay in the top flight improved significantly after a 3-0 victory against Samsunspor last Sunday.
The Anatolian Eagle secured the win with three first-half goals from Steven N’Zonzi, Guilherme, and Sokol Cikalleshi, marking their first league victory since April 13.
They are currently in 14th place, one point and one spot behind Saturday’s opponents. With two matches left, the visitors are just three points ahead of 17th-placed Fatih Karagumruk.
Following defeats to Alanyaspor and Sivasspor, Konyaspor parted ways with manager Fahrudin Omerovic after 17 matches in charge. Ali Camdali, previously the sporting director, took the reins and managed to collect four points from his first two games.
Camdali’s primary objective is to secure the club’s top-flight status. A win on Saturday would be crucial for their survival, especially considering they host champions-elect Galatasaray in the final game of the season.
Kayserispor Turkish Super Lig form:
Konyaspor Turkish Super Lig form:
Team News
Kayserispor are expected to remain without Anthony Uzodimma and Majid Hosseini who are currently nursing long-term injuries, with neither expected back in the near future.
Ali Karimi is also out of the season with a ligament issue, while Aylton Boa Morte should start in attack once again.
The visitors will remain without Metehan Mert and Yasir Subasi due to groin and thigh injuries respectively.
Cikalleshi has scored 11 goals this season including one in the last game and he is expected to start in attack once more.
Kayserispor possible starting lineup:
Bayazit; Carole, Kolovetsios, Kocaman, Sazdagi; Yilmaz, Shukurov; Cardoso, Bourabia, Mane; Boa Morte
Konyaspor possible starting lineup:
Slowik; Yazgili, Demirbag, Hadebe, Guilherme; Dikmen, Nzonzi; Ethemi, Ulgun, Ndao; Cikalleshi
We say: Kayserispor 0-1 Konyaspor
Konyaspor have dominated this fixture and look rejuvenated under Camdali’s guidance. Both teams will be fighting to secure their top-flight status but we think the visitors might edge this affair.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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