Prediction: Galatasaray vs Zalgiris

Verdict: Galatasaray win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to finish off their Champions League qualifying job at the second attempt on Wednesday night, Galatasaray will welcome Zalgiris to Istanbul.

Galatasaray

Starting with the hosts, while Galatasaray might have travelled out to Lithuania tipped as a standout contender to claim a first-leg statement on foreign soil, the Turkish icons will know that they missed out on a golden chance. Eventually having to settle for what was a thrilling 2-2 stalemate, Okan Buruk’s men will know that they have plenty of pressure on their shoulders in midweek. However, excited to make a return to Istanbul on Wednesday night after claiming yet another domestic crown last season, the former Sivasspor boss will be calling on his squad to claim an essential boost here. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a shock 2-0 defeat at the hands of Austrian outfit Strum Graz on July 18th, Galatasaray have managed to muster just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Nevertheless, making major Super Lig history just a couple of months ago, Buruk’s men should be smelling another golden chance here.

Team News

Making the move from German outfit Hoffenheim this summer, ex-Manchester City defender Angelino will keep his spot at left-back. Despite nothing just six Super Lig strikes last season, former Napoli superstar Dries Mertens could replace Baris Ylimaz in the final third.

Coming off the bench and finding the net on his competitive debut last week, former Burnley attacker Halil Dervisoglu will be hoping to make a first start for the Turkish giants on Wednesday night.

Zalgiris

As for the visitors, although Zalgiris might have always known that they faced a huge Champions League challenge this month, the Lithuanian champions certainly produced a famous display last week. Eventually snatching a stunning last-gasp equaliser as they played out that first-leg 2-2 draw at the LFF Stadium, Vladimir Cheburin’s men will certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high before they travel to Turkey on Wednesday night. Despite rightfully being tipped as a landslide underdog when they travel out to Istanbul in midweek, Zalgiris should be excited by their continued success on the road. In fact, it should be highlighted, Wednesday’s guests have won each of their last five straight showdowns on their travels by an aggregate score of 14-4. While Cheburin’s side might have failed to pick up much momentum on domestic duties at home against FK Panevezys a few days ago, they will have a party atmosphere in their travelling squad.

Team News

Coming off the bench and shown a pair of late bookings last week, Zalgiris will travel out to Turkey on Wednesday night without 29-year-old Donatas Kazlauskas.

Finding the net on first-leg duties seven days ago and now notching eight goals in as many appearances, the red-hot Mathias Oyewusi will spearhead Cheburin’s charge in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their first-leg showdown in Lithuania last week, Galatasaray and Zalgiris played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.
• Continuing on from their downbeat summer run, the Turkish giants have recorded just a single win from any of their last five appearances across all competitions.
• However, Galatasaray won each of their final three Super Lig contests on home soil last season by an aggregate score of 6-0.
• Including a first-leg strike last week, Mathias Oyewusi has notched eight goals in as many appearances across all formats.
• Along with their pre-season preparations, Wednesday’s hosts have scored over 1.5 goals in eight of their last nine contests in Istanbul.

Conclusion

Eventually suffering first-leg frustration out in Lithuania last week, Galatasaray will know that they must avoid what would be a stunning qualifying collapse on Wednesday night. While the Turkish giants might have claimed yet another domestic crown last season, the midweek hosts have struggled to find much stability during their summer run. Mustering just a single win from any of their last five appearances across all competitions, Buruk’s men could have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. While Zalgiris might still be boosted by that famous stalemate on home soil last week, we are backing Galatasaray to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure in Istanbul.

Verdict: Galatasaray win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet