Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig clash between Pendikspor and Gaziantep, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Round 38 of the 2023-24 Turkish Super Lig season will see Pendikspor welcome Gaziantep to Pendik Stadium on Sunday.
The hosts are already relegated while the visitors still have their top-flight destiny in their hands heading into the final day.
Match preview
Pendikspor are now unbeaten in their last three league matches after a goalless draw with Ankaragucu at the Eryaman Stadium last Saturday.
However, despite this run, Ibrahim Uzulmez‘s men have been confirmed as relegated from the Super Lig after picking up just 37 points from 37 matches. The home side are in 19th place and mathematically cannot escape the bottom four regardless of their result on the final matchday.
Pendikspor achieved promotion to the top-flight last year for the first time in their history, but it has not been a successful first season. They will now return to the TFF First League after just one Super Lig campaign.
Uzulmez’s side will be aiming to end the season on a high note when they face Gaziantep for only the second time in their history. However, the hosts have the second-worst home record this season, despite currently being on a three-match unbeaten run at home.
Gaziantep picked up a second consecutive win and extended their unbeaten run to three matches with a 3-1 victory over Fatih Karagumruk last Saturday.
After a scoreless first half, the Falcons took the lead through Ertugrul Ersoy two minutes into the second half. Marcao equalised for Karagumruk in the 67th minute, but Selcuk Inan‘s men dug deep and secured the win with goals from Marko Jevtovic in the 90th minute and Jamiro Monteiro ten minutes into stoppage time.
Gaziantep are now in 14th place with 41 points after 37 matches, but are still in danger of relegation heading into the final matchday. The Falcons will be relegated if they lose, Hatayspor win, and Ankaragucu avoid defeat.
After ending their four-match away losing streak in style with a 6-1 win over Adana Demirspor, the visitors will be hoping for back-to-back victories on the road against one of the league’s weakest teams.
Pendikspor Turkish Super Lig form:
Gaziantep Turkish Super Lig form:
Team News
Pendikspor have a fully fit squad with no injuries or suspensions reported heading into Saturday’s clash.
Mame Baba Thiam has scored 18 league goals this season and he could be back in the XI after missing out the last time.
The away side will be without Bryan Acosta who is currently recovering from a groin injury and Ulas Zengin who is sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament issue.
Denis Dragus was missing in the win over Karagumruk but he is expected to return to the XI on Sunday, spearheading the attack.
Pendikspor possible starting lineup:
Canpolat; Tasdemir, Welinton, Ozturk, Ozgenc; Lusamba, Ndiaye, Kaya; Thiam, Yardimci, Akbunar
Gaziantep possible starting lineup:
Nita; Artan, Djilobodji, Ersoy, M’Bakata; Maxim, Monteiro, Nkoulou; Sorescu, Dragus, Eskihellac
We say: Pendikspor 1-2 Gaziantep
Pendikspor are already relegated and have nothing left to play for, which is why we think that the visitors could find the extra gear to pick a much-needed win here. Gaziantep have also found joy in front of the net lately, which could help them get over the line on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.