Prediction: Galatasaray vs Sparta Prague

Prediction: Galatasaray to win 2-1

Best Odds: 13/2

Bookmaker: Zetbet

Galatasaray and Sparta Prague will lock horns with each other in the UEFA Europa League this week. The first leg of the playoff round tie between the Turkish club and the Czech Republic team will be held at Rams Park and is scheduled to kick off at 5:45 pm UK time on Thursday.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray are one of the biggest clubs in Europe and are Turkish giants. They are used to playing in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, and they will be determined to progress last the playoff round tie of the latter this season.

Avrupa Fatihi played in the UEFA Champions League this season. They finished third in Group A with five points from six matches. They have now dropped into the UEFA Europa League playoff round.

Okan Buruk’s side are at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table at the moment with 66 points from 25 matches. They are two points clear of second-placed Fenerbahce and are as many as 26 points ahead of Trabzonspor in third.

Team News:

Galatasaray will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Muslera will be in goal for the home team and will have Ayhan, Sanchez, Nelsson and Kutlu in front of him in defence. Demirbay and Torreira will be the two defensive midfielders. Yilmaz, Merterns and Akturkoglu will be the three attacking midfielders. Icardi will lead the line for Galatasaray.

Sparta Prague

Sparta Prague are one of the biggest clubs in the Czech Republic and regularly play in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. Although they are not expected to win any major competitions anytime soon, they are always a force to be reckoned with.

Brian Priske’s side finished second in UEFA Europa League Group C with 10 points from six matches. They ended up a point behind Rangers, who won the group. Železná Sparta have dropped to the playoff round tie.

Sparta are at the top of the 2023–24 Czech First League table at the moment. They have picked up 53 points from 20 matches and are four points above the relegation zone.

Team News:

Sparta Prague are likely to line up in a 3-4-3 formation against Galatasaray. Vindahl will be in goal for the team from the Czech Republic and will have Vitik, Sorensen and Krejcf in front of him in defence. Preciado, Kairinen, Laci and Rynes will be the four midfielders. Karabec, Kuchta and Birmancevic will be the three forwards.

Key Factors to Consider

• Galatasaray have won their last 6 matches in all competitions.
• Sparta Prague have won their last 2 UEFA Europa League matches.
• Sparta Prague have won their last 6 UEFA Europa League matches.
• This will be the first-ever meeting between Galatasaray and Sparta Prague.
• Galatasaray are on an eight-match winning streak and are unbeaten in their last 12 outings.

Conclusion

While Sparta Prague are a very good team, Galatasaray have home advantage. It is very likely to be a tight encounter. The match is likely to end in a win for Galatasaray.

Prediction: Galatasaray to win 2-1

Best Odds: 13/2

Bookmaker: Zetbet