In the Turkish Super Lig, Galatasaray plays Trabzonspor at the NEF Stadium on Sunday. The two teams have had contrasting seasons thus far. Fenerbahce is in second place in the league, five points behind Galatasaray. This season, Okan Buruk’s team has only lost two games in all competitions. They have been in incredible form. With a victory against Trabzonspor on Sunday, they will attempt to extend their streak.
On the other hand, Trabzonspor is sixth in the league right now, two points behind the top three. Abdullah Avci’s team has won three of their last five games in all competitions, which is good form. With a victory over Galatasaray this weekend, they will hope to maintain their current form. It should be an interesting matchup because different teams will want to win the game.
Prediction
This weekend’s matchup between the two teams should reflect their divergent recent performances.
Due to an injury, Yusuf Demir will not be able to play for Galatasaray. Serkan Asan, Marek Hamsik, Huseyin Turkmen, Edin Visca, Dorukhan Tokoz, and Bruno Peres will all be absent from Sunday’s match for Trabzonspor.
Given the disparity in form and quality between the two teams thus far this season, it’s hard to imagine Trabzonspor taking anything away from the game. We think Galatasaray will easily win this game.
Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Given that each team has won one of their last five meetings against the other, it’s hard to pick a favorite between the two teams based on their recent head-to-head record.
- When the two teams last met in August 2022, they played to a 0-0 draw.
- Galatasaray’s defense is the best in the league, allowing only 16 goals in 21 games thus far this season.
- With 33 goals in 21 games so far this season, Trabzonspor’s attack is tied for sixth best in the league.
Team news
Istanbulspor may use the same starting lineup, with Emeka Eze, a newcomer, leading the attack if no injuries occur.
Adi Mehremic played a key role in his team’s 1-0 victory over Konyaspor, but the center back is unlikely to be brought back after missing the previous match.
However, Farioli will probably alter his Alanyaspor team, with Fatih Aksoy likely to return to the back three or a defensive midfield position.
Due to mistakes made against Sivasspor, Umut Gunes’ position is in jeopardy, and Ivan Cavaleiro is vying for an opportunity in the final third.
Lineup
Istanbulspor:
- Jensen;
- Duhaney, Erdogan, Yesil, Aksu;
- Lokilo, Sarikaya, Ba, Rroca, Ethemi;
- Eze
Alanyaspor:
- Runarsson;
- Aksoy, Fer, Balkovec;
- Pereira, Gunes, Doumbia, Ferhat;
- Karaca, Cavaleiro;
- Koka
Betting Tips
Result: Galatasaray Win Both Teams to Score – NO (Galatasaray has the best defensive record in the league, having only conceded 16 goals in 21 games so far this season) Mauro Icardi to Score/Assist (The forward has eight goals and five assists in only 11 games so far this season for Galatasaray)