Galatasaray, one of the frontrunners in the Turkish Super Lig title race, will face Gaziantep at RAMS Park on Monday evening, aiming to maintain pressure on their rivals.
Both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are currently at the top of the table with the same number of points. On the other hand, Gaziantep is just one point away from the relegation zone.
Match Preview
Galatasaray’s unbeaten streak in the league has reached 10 matches after their comeback victory of 3-1 against Istanbulspor. Kerem Akturkoglu scored two goals, including a penalty, and Mauro Icardi sealed the win with another penalty in stoppage time.
Galatasaray is now neck and neck with Fenerbahce, trailing only on goal difference. They have a strong home record, winning 15 consecutive domestic matches, and they will aim to extend this streak to 16 while hoping for a stumble from their rivals.
In their previous encounters, Galatasaray has had the upper hand against Gaziantep, winning eight of their last ten matches, with one defeat and one draw.
Gaziantep, on the other hand, has been struggling with a winless run of five games in the league. In their last match, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Konyaspor.
Gaziantep’s form has left them in 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone. They will be looking to extend their three-game unbeaten streak on the road when they face Galatasaray, but it won’t be an easy task against a team that has been flawless at home this season.
Team News
Galatasaray will be without Hakim Ziyech and Cedric Bakambu due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Sergio Oliveira and Abdulkerim Bardakci are sidelined with muscle and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Emre Akin Akinoglu, who performed well in the victory over Istanbulspor, will retain his starting role on the left flank. Mauro Icardi could potentially make his first start since recovering from injury.
Gaziantep will miss Max-Alain Gradel, who is representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations. Mustafa Eskihellac and Oguz Oztetik are unavailable due to one-match suspensions for accumulating yellow cards. Ulas Zengin is nursing a leg injury and his return date is yet to be confirmed.
Possible Starting Lineups
Galatasaray: (4-2-3-1)
Muslera;
Boey, Nelsson, Sanchez, B A Yilmaz;
Demirbay, Torreira;
Zaha, Mertens, Akturkoglu;
Icardi
Gaziantep: (5-4-1)
Nita;
Ersoy, Kizildag, N’Koulou, Djilobodji, M’Bakata;
Maxim, Jevtovic, Soyalp, Markovic;
Dragus
Prediction: Galatasaray 3-0 Gaziantep
They have been outstanding at home and we believe they will continue their perfect record on home turf against Gaziantep, who have been struggling recently.
