Prediction: Galatasaray vs Bayern Munich

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Hoping to make it three Champions League victories on the spin, Bayern Munich will make the trip to Galatasaray on Tuesday evening.

Galatasaray

Starting with the hosts, making more domestic history last season as they recaptured their Super Lig crown, Galatasaray are certainly enjoying a major purple patch. With the mood in Okan Buruk’s side at a red-hot high, it is no secret that the Turkish icons have their sights firmly set on clinching a Champions League knockout stage ticket. Marking their return from October’s international break with another eye-catching performance as they claimed a 2-1 win at home against Besiktas, the Istanbul-based giants have continued to gain a string of plaudits on either side of the summer interval. Laying down what was a famous marker last month as they eventually landed a 3-2 victory away at Premier League heavyweights Manchester United, Galatasaray have won each of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Really gaining a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third, some in Buruk’s camp could be smelling the chance to spring another famous upset here.

Team News

Once again missing out on Galatasaray’s return from October’s international break and struggling to find any real momentum since completing a summer move from Chelsea, Hakim Ziyech is not expected to feature here. However, recently overcoming a long-term knee injury, 20-year-old Kazimcan Karatas will keep his spot in Buruk’s squad.

Bagging a brace against Besiktas over the weekend and now notching a staggering 14 goals in his last 13 appearances across all competitions, ex-PSG superstar Mauro Icardi will have a key role to play on Tuesday evening.

Bayern Munich

As for the visitors, marking their return from October’s international break with another eye-catching display, Bayern Munich are enjoying what has been another extended flurry. Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they cruised their way to a 3-1 romp away at Mainz, Thomas Tuchel’s side are tipped as a genuine Champions League contender this season. Heading into the fortnight interval with a 3-0 victory against Freiburg, the former Chelsea boss will be calling on his high-flying squad to lay down another marker here. Opening their European adventure with a stunning 4-3 victory against Manchester United last month, the German giants have certainly impressed with their continued performances in the final third. Already mustering back-to-back Champions League victories and sat at the top of the Group A standings, Bayern will be excited by a trip over to Turkey in midweek.

Team News

Missing out over the weekend with a recent muscle injury, Bayern Munich are still sweating over the fitness of French defender Dayot Upamecano here. Not making a single appearance this season after sustaining a broken leg, Tuchel’s side will make the trip out to Turkey without Manuel Neuer.

Once again finding the net away at Mainz and continuing to break a string of records since arriving from Tottenham this summer, England international Harry Kane will spearhead Tuchel’s charge on Tuesday night. The 30-year-old will likely be joined in attack by ex-Manchester City star Leroy Sane.

Key Factors to Consider

• Including an action-packed 4-3 win against Manchester United last month, Bayern Munich have won their opening two Champions League appearances.
• Likewise, the German giants are unbeaten in each of their last 11 contests across all competitions.
• Each of Galatasaray’s last five home fixtures have finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.
• England international Harry Kane has notched nine Bundesliga strikes in his first eight appearances.
• Bagging a brace against Besiktas over the weekend, Mauro Icardi has 14 goals in his last 13 appearances across all formats.

Conclusion

While Bayern Munich might open Tuesday’s showdown tipped as a standout contender with the bookmakers, Tuchel’s men will know that they face what could be a stern examination on foreign soil. With Galatasaray only continuing on a remarkable romp, neutrals could be treated to a thrilling affair on Tuesday evening. Two sides who have continued to gain a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, chances could come thick and fast here. It is worth noting, with the Turkish icons seeing each of their last five showdowns at Rams Park finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome in midweek.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet