Adana Demirspor will host Antalyaspor on Christmas Eve in the Super Lig. After 16 games this season, both teams have 24 points. The Blue Lightnings are in seventh position, one point ahead of the Scorpions in eighth.
Preview (Adana Demirspor vs. Antalyaspor)
Last time out at the Gaziantep stadium, Adana Demirspor overcame a two-goal deficit to rescue a 2-2 draw against Gaziantep. Despite giving up a goal to Arda Kizildag and former Liverpool player Lazar Markovic in each half, Serkan Damla’s team rallied, with goals from Babajide David and Emre Akbaba. The Blue Lightnings are currently in seventh place in the standings with 24 points. However, they are only two points behind Trabzonspor in the competition for the final European slot. Before this weekend, the hosts had not won in six games in a row, so they will be eager to change that and win for the first time since October 28.
With the third-best record at home this season, the Blue Lightnings have been strong at home. However, they have lost their previous two games at the New Adana Stadium, falling to Samsunspor 3-2 after a goalless draw with Fenerbahce. Demirspor, who has defeated Antalyaspor recently and is unbeaten in their past four Super Lig encounters—winning three and losing one—will be feeling confident going into this one. They have outscored the visitors 7-1 during this run. The Blue Lightnings defeated Akbaba and Cherif Ndiaye 2-0 at the New Adana Stadium during their league matchup with the team that started the previous season.
Though both teams have the same number of points, Antalyaspor has been playing well lately. They have won seven straight games going into this match. In their most recent league game, Nuri Sahin’s team finished goalless against Kasimpasa at Corendon Airlines Park, bringing their record to three draws and four victories in their previous seven league games. This season, the Scorpions have two wins, two draws, and three losses on the road. However, their two wins have come in their past four travels. Their most recent away game ended in a draw against Hatayspor. In this matchup, Antalyaspor is attempting to win the league for the first time since June 2015.
Team News
Owing to a knee injury, attacker Mario Balotelli will not be available for Adana Demirspor. Additionally, defender Andrew Gravillon is out until January owing to a muscle problem. With eight goals in 16 league games this season, M’Baye Niang has assumed Balotelli’s responsibilities as the home team’s goal scorer. Niang is predicted to start at the front once more, with offensive midfielder Younes Belhanda filling in as the backup. Due to suspensions, Erdal Rakip, Gury Vural, and Britt Assombalonga will not be playing for Antalyaspor on the field.
On Sunday, Adam Buksa, Bahadir Ozturk, and Jakub Kaluzinski are anticipated to take their places. Recovering from a shoulder ailment, Helton Leite is not scheduled to return until March. We expect an exciting match as both Adana Demirspor and Antalyaspor will be looking to take the game to the other. Although Demirspor has a strong home record and has dominated this fixture recently, Sahin’s team has been incredibly stable lately.
Adana Demirspor 1-1 Antalyaspor
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