Prediction: Galatasaray vs Barcelona

Verdict: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score anytime

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides looking to extend on their Europa League adventure on Thursday evening, Barcelona will make the trip to the Nef Stadium when they meet Galatasaray.

Galatasaray

Starting with the hosts, while Galatasaray might have been tipped as a landslide underdog when they were drawn out against Barcelona, the Turkish heavyweights did put in a rugged display a fortnight ago. Eventually leaving the Nou Camp with a shock 0-0 stalemate to show for their troubles, Head Coach Domènec Torrent could be smelling the chance for his side to pull of a real Europa League upset here. Picking up some perfect momentum last weekend thanks to a 2-1 win against Besiktas on home soil, Thursday’s hosts do appear to have put their worrying January blip behind them. Now with just a single defeat from any of their previous seven matchups across all formats, the former Manchester City coach has made it clear that he is calling on his side to find some stability. Almost stuck in Süper Lig limbo this season, Galatasaray will be more than aware that they face another huge task at the Nef Stadium in midweek.

Team News

Dealing with a groin injury, former Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan is set to miss out on Thursday’s second-leg.

Likewise, still dealing with a long-term knee injury, Galatasaray keeper Fernando Muslera will also not feature here.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have dealt with some public struggles this season, Xavi’s side are enjoying what has become an eye-catching purple patch. Despite having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Galatasaray last week, the Spanish heavyweights came roaring back on La Liga duties. Putting on a thumping display as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp against Osasuna at the Nou Camp, Thursday’s guests are now sat in pole position to book another top-four finish. In the midst of a 10-match unbeaten run across all formats, a run that stems back to January 20th, Barca also have one attacking talisman who is enjoying quite the free-scoring run. Once again finding the net against Osasuna last time out, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already racked up six strikes since making the move from Premier League outfit Arsenal back in January. With the mood in their camp at a continued high, Xavi’s side should be confident of finishing off the job here.

Team News

After not registering for this year’s Europa League, veteran defender Dani Alves will not feature on Thursday evening.

Likewise, the trio of Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti and Ansu Fati will also miss out due to injury issues.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Thursday’s opponents faced off at the Nou Camp for their first-leg meeting last weekend, they played out a 0-0 stalemate.
• Barcelona are unbeaten in each of their previous 10 matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to January 20th.
• Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already racked up six strikes since making the move to Spain.
• Each of Galatasaray’s last six matchups on home soil have finished with both teams finding the net.
• However, Thursday’s hosts have won just a trio of their previous 13 matchups across all formats.

Conclusion

While Thursday’s opponents might have played out a 0-0 stalemate when they met at the Nou Camp last week, we’re expecting a much more lively affair here. Storming their way to a thumping 4-0 win against Osasuna a few days ago and picking up some perfect momentum, Barcelona should be confident of finishing off the job here. Enjoying a 10-match unbeaten run across all formats, the Spanish heavyweights also have one new attacking talisman on his own free-scoring run. With ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already racking up six goals since making the move to Catalonia, we’re backing the Gabon ace to once again get himself on the scoresheet here.

Verdict: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score anytime

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: Unibet