Prediction: Galatasaray vs Kayserispor

Verdict: Total goals under 3.5

Best odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Galatasaray, as one of the frontrunners in the Turkish Super Lig title race, are striving to keep the pressure on their rivals Fenerbahce as they host Kayserispor at the RAMS Stadium on Monday evening.

Following a setback on Thursday, the home side currently trails their traditional rivals by two points. Meanwhile, Kayserispor find themselves three points away from securing the final European berth through league standings.

Galatasaray

After a 1-1 draw against Sivasspor in their recent match, Galatasaray boast a fine record of 48 points from 19 matches played, which obviously isn’t enough for them to claim the top spot at the halfway point in the season.

Although Kerem Demirbay gave Gala the lead in first-half stoppage time, Bengali-Fode Koita leveled the score for Sivasspor with a penalty four minutes before the end of regular time. Despite being dominant in possession and shots, Okan Buruk’s team missed several chances and suffered a setback as Kerem Akturkoglu received a red card in stoppage time for a second bookable offense.

Galatasaray’s pursuit of the title has been anchored in a solid defense, conceding the fewest goals in the league so far (10). However, they have scored 20 fewer goals than Fenerbahce, highlighting the need to enhance their attacking efficiency to stay competitive.

In the upcoming match, Galatasaray face an opponent they have historically dominated, securing victories in 23 out of 40 encounters, with 13 draws and only four defeats.

Having secured nine victories from nine home games this season, Okan Buruk’s team has established their home ground as an impenetrable fortress. They aim to extend this formidable home run in the upcoming Monday fixture.

Team News

Galatasaray will be facing some significant absences in their upcoming match. Star striker Mauro Icardi is unavailable due to a facial fracture sustained in the recent Istanbul derby. Additionally, Sergio Oliviera and Davinson Sanchez are sidelined too.

There are doubts surrounding the fitness of Sacha Boey, who hasn’t featured in the last two matches. Furthermore, Hakim Ziyech and Cedric Bakambu have departed to represent Morocco and DR Congo, respectively, at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Akturkoglu, who received a red card against Sivasspor, will serve a one-match suspension, opening the possibility for Baris Yilmaz to step in as his replacement.

Kayserispor

Kayserispor’s troubles have intensified with a four-game losing streak, culminating in a 4-1 defeat to Fatih Karagumruk in their latest outing.

Facing a daunting challenge, the Anatolian Stars found themselves trailing by three goals within the first 41 minutes, with Marcus Rohden securing a hat-trick for the opposition. Although Aylton Boa Morte managed to reduce the deficit just before halftime, Kayserispor conceded a fourth goal in the second half.

Recep Ucar’s team had a solid start in the opening 15 league matches, placing them in the top four. However, they have encountered a rough patch since December 20, losing every league game. As a consequence, they have slipped to sixth place in the standings, now trailing the coveted final European spot by three points after 19 games.

Facing a critical juncture in their season, Kayserispor have a challenging task ahead as they travel to face Galatasaray, hoping to halt their recent slide and revive a season that held promise after the initial 15 matches. They will, of course, be aware that playing away to a title contender isn’t the best possible opportunity for that.

Team News

Julian Jeanvier, Carlos Mane, Majid Hosseini, and Olivier Kemen are unavailable as they are representing their countries in continental tournaments.

In addition, Lionel Carole and Anthony Uzodimma are sidelined due to muscle injuries, and their recovery is expected to keep them out until later this month.

Conclusion

Galatasaray are the obvious favourites to win this game, though without several of their best players, it will probably be a harder job than it would be otherwise. A reasonably tight affair, with the home side booking all three points eventually, is likely to unfold on Monday in Istanbul.

Verdict: Total goals under 3.5

Best odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: ZetBet