Sivasspor braced for Trabzonspor test

Halting Süper Lig pacesetters Sivasspor face third-placed Trabzonspor AŞ on Saturday and should their problems in front of goal continue, Beşiktaş JK, who travel to Eskişehirspor 24 hours later, are ready to pounce.

High stakes
The stakes are high as a home win would propel Sivasspor to a commanding seven-point lead over their opponents, while an away victory would take Trabzonspor to within one point of their hosts. Sivasspor coach Bülent Uygun said: "We will play at home, in front of our own fans. Both are advantages, but your performance on the pitch is the most important thing." Bülent is clearly hoping for an improved performance from his side, who could only manage a goalless draw against Konyaspor last weekend. Key players such as captain Mehmet Yıldız, Musa Aydın and Pini Balili are short on form and the net result has been less creativity moving forward, with only one goal in their last three matches in all competitions.

Beşiktaş wait
With six league games of the Turkish season remaining, a defeat on Saturday would also play into the hands of second-placed Beşiktaş JK, who are away to Eskişehirspor on Sunday. Trabzonspor, whose away form has been impressive, are on a roll with victories against Hacettepe ŞK and Gençlerbirliği ŞK in their last two games following some inconsistent results in March. Striker Umut Bulut has is doubtful and is likely to make way for Gökhan Ünal in the starting XI.