The clash between Halide Edip Adıvar and 24 Erzincanspor isn't just another fixture in the 2. Lig (Beyaz); it's a battle for survival as both teams look to escape the murky depths of the standings. With only one point separating them-Halide Edip Adıvar at 23 points and 24 Erzincanspor right behind with 22-this matchup could be the turning point for one side or a confirmation of continued struggles for the other.
Both teams arrive at this confrontation with recent form that suggests they are limping into this high-stakes encounter. Halide Edip Adıvar has secured just one win in their last five outings, suffering three losses and a draw that have left them vulnerable. Their most recent performance saw them edged out by Fenerbahçe in the Türkiye Kupası, a match where they failed to find the back of the net and now carry over that offensive impotence into league play.
On the flip side, 24 Erzincanspor's record over their last five games mirrors Halide Edip Adıvar's struggles but carries its own unique weight. After winning against Erbaaspor on December 6, they've yet to taste victory again, including two losses and a disappointing draw against Elazığspor last time out. Their inability to score has become alarming, with their last two matches yielding no goals while conceding four.
When analyzing each team's recent performances in terms of key metrics, it reveals significant tactical trends. Halide Edip Adıvar's style tends toward possession-based play; however, they have often been caught out defensively, allowing their opponents crucial chances that have led to avoidable defeats-evident from their negative goal difference of -3 despite their five wins this season.
Conversely, 24 Erzincanspor has demonstrated more defensive solidity earlier in the season but currently appears bereft of ideas going forward, which culminates in fewer shots taken and ultimately fewer goals scored-a stark contrast to earlier fixtures when they showcased an attacking flair. The pressing issue here is efficiency: both teams will need to convert any opportunities into tangible results if they hope to climb out of this precarious position.
Key players could very well be pivotal in determining which way this match swings. For Halide Edip Adıvar, expect eyes on Fatih Bektaş, whose ability to create scoring chances was evident in his recent performances despite lackluster team results; he's been involved heavily during their sporadic victories. On the other side, Oğuzhan Karakullukçu stands as 24 Erzincanspor's brightest hope up front, showcasing his finishing skills when given half a chance-his pace might exploit any lapses from Halide Edip's backline that has already shown signs of frailty.
The head-to-head history adds an additional layer of intrigue: these sides played to an electrifying 2-2 draw back in August 2025-a clear indication that neither can be taken lightly. Both squads showed resolve and tactical acumen then; however, can either team replicate such fervor given their current state?
As we approach January 18th's decisive encounter under what promises to be intense conditions off-the-pitch due to mounting pressure from fans who expect much more from both camps-the decisive prediction stands: expect Halide Edip Adıvar to edge past 24 Erzincanspor by a narrow margin owing largely to home advantage combined with the need for redemption after faltering displays recently.
Final score: Halide Edip Adıvar 1 - 0 24 Erzincanspor-a tightly contested match likely decided by a momentary lapse or individual brilliance that could ignite either team's resurgence as they aim for safety amid growing concerns of relegation ramifications looming large over both sides' futures.