Verdict: Galatasaray win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to Super Lig action on Monday evening, Galatasaray will welcome Trabzonspor to Rams Park.
Galatasaray
Starting with the hosts, making real history last season as they got their hands on a 24th domestic crown, Galatasaray are once again sat firmly in the driving seat. Leading the chase over bitter rivals Fenerbahce and pencilled in as a leading contender to defend their Super Lig title, the Turkish giants will simply be looking to make another statement here. Although some in Okan Buruk’s camp might have been left frustrated last week as they eventually had to settle for a thrilling European League stalemate away at Malmo, the former Goztepe boss should find the mood in his camp at a continued high. Last seen in domestic action claiming an action-packed 3-2 victory against Sivasspor, Monday’s hosts are unbeaten in all of their previous 18 consecutive appearances across all competitions. With that extended flurry stemming all the way back to the end of August, Galatasaray should be smelling another golden opportunity here.
Galatasaray Team News
Not featuring since returning from November’s international break, former Real Madrid striker Mauro Icardi remains on the sidelines with a knee injury. Likewise, in what looks set to be a major blow for Galatasaray on Monday evening, summer recruit and attacking talisman Victor Osimhen will miss out through a back issue.
With their two leading marksman sidelined on Monday, former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi will lead the line here. Returning from a domestic suspension last month, ex-Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez should start at right-back.
Trabzonspor
As for the visitors, while Trabzonspor might have gained a string of plaudits last season as they claimed a bronze medal finish among Turkey’s elite, Senile Gunes’ men have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny and suddenly at the heart of a relegation scrap, the Trabzon-based outfit open Monday’s showdown holding just a one-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone. Heading into November’s international break with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Rizespor, the former Besiktas boss has seen his downbeat squad win just one of their previous six top-flight appearances. With that extended rut stemming back to October 19th, Trabzonspor have also continued to show some glaring issues on their travels. In fact, Monday’s guests have lost each of their last three Super Lig appearances away from Papara Park by an aggregate score of 7-3.
Trabzonspor Team News
Not making a single appearance since the middle of September and dealing with a muscle injury, Montenegro international Stefan Savic will miss out here. However, aside from the one-time Manchester City defender, Trabzonspor have reported a clean bill of health heading into Monday’s showdown.
Making a sensational impact since arriving from Braga on a season-long loan deal, Simon Banza has recorded nine Super Lig strikes in his first 11 appearances and will play a leading role here. Former Rangers midfielder John Lundstrum will partner Batista Mendy in the middle of the park.
Galatasaray vs Trabzonspor Key Factors to Consider
- When Galatasaray and Trabzonspor last met back in January, Monday’s hosts collected a 5-1 romp at Papara Park.
- Galatasaray are unbeaten in all of their previous 18 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Trabzonspor have recorded just a single win from any of their previous six Super Lig appearances.
- Likewise, Monday’s guests have lost each of their last three away fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-3.
- Galatasaray are unbeaten in all of their first 10 showdowns at Rams Park this season (eight wins, two draws).
Conclusion
Looking to extend their buffer at the top of the Super Lig table on Monday evening, Galatasaray should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Unbeaten in all of their previous 18 straight appearances across all competitions, the Turkish giants are rightfully installed as a landslide contender at Rams Park. While Buruk’s camp might be unable to call upon two of their striking superstars, they will be excited by their most recent showdown against Monday’s guests. Storming their way to a 5-1 romp when they travelled to Trabzonspor back in January, we are expecting a similar home win here.
Verdict: Galatasaray win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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