Ankaragucu vs Rizespor Prediction 11.12.2023

• Competition: Turkey - Super Lig
• Date: Monday, 11th, December 2023
• Kickoff: 17:00 UTC / 18.00 CET
• Venue: Eryaman Stadium (Ankara)

Planning to establish a favorable position compared to the danger zone, Ankaragucu will be hosting Rizespor at the Eryaman Stadium on Monday in the 15th round of the Turkish Super Lig.

The capital club has crossed yet another hurdle in the Turkish Cup, thanks to a routine 3-1 victory over the third-division outfit Iskenderunspor. While the first 45 minutes unfolded in an atmosphere of uncertainty, Ankaragucu stepped up the intensity in the second half, showcasing their full potential with goals from substitute Efkan Bekiroglu and Anastasios Chatzigiovanis to settle the matter of the winner. This midweek success followed after the Blue Flame held the Istanbul powerhouse Besiktas to a 1-1 draw, maintaining a respectable five-point cushion above the drop zone.

Rizespor, in the meantime, managed to secure their spot in the fifth round of the Turkish Cup and, simultaneously, set up a meeting with Monday's opponent after demolishing 2nd Division White Group side Bucaspor 4-0. One of the main protagonists in the spectacular victory of the Turkish top-tier club was Adolfo Gaich, who sparkled on Thursday with his first hat-trick since joining from CSKA Moscow in September. Upon returning to the domestic stage, the Black Sea Sparrowhawk aims to translate their midweek success into league action to narrow the gap to European spots, as they trail fourth-placed Besiktas by four points, earning 21 points from 14 matches.

Ankaragucu vs Rizespor Betting Tips: BTTS

Ankaragucu, aside from seeking to distance themselves from the most endangered positions, will try to reduce the points deficit against Monday's opponent. Still, the clash against Rizespor won't be easy, so the option on goals seems more reasonable, considering we expect dynamic 90 minutes at Eryaman Stadium. As the team from the Turkish capital stands out for its efficiency in the attacking third, the revelation that they've conceded as many goals as they've netted this season—20 goals at either end of the pitch—calls into question their defensive solidity. 

Furthermore, the defensive situation of the visiting side leaves much room for concern, especially away from their home ground, as they have let in at least twice in five instances from their opening seven Super Lig trips. Also, don't forget that the entrance of both teams on the scoreboards has been a regular happening in their recent duels, with BTTS observed in seven out of the last eight face-offs. Given both sides' fervent pursuit of securing all three points, coupled with the fact that their rearguards have shown vulnerability and disorganization, we believe goals in both nets should not be amiss.