Galatasaray, a top contender in the Turkish Super Lig, aims to maintain pressure on their rivals with a visit to Samsunspor this Friday.
Both teams are on unbeaten streaks, with the home side looking to cause an upset and increase their distance from the relegation zone.
Match Preview
Samsunspor recently moved three points away from the relegation zone with a 1-1 draw against Istanbulspor at the Necmi Kadioglu Sports Complex on Monday.
Istanbulspor took the lead in the 54th minute through Emir Kaan Gultekin, but Emre Kilinc equalized for Samsunspor 18 minutes later, securing a point.
Markus Gisdol’s team has not lost in their last five matches, with two ties and three victories, including a 3-1 win over Alanyaspor in extra time during the Turkiye Kupasi fifth round on January 17.
Samsunspor, 14th in the standings with 26 points from 23 games, aims for a win on Friday to potentially match 10th-placed Sivasspor in points.
Their home performance gives them hope, having the seventh-best record this season and an ongoing six-game unbeaten streak at home, winning the last three without conceding.
However, their recent record of five losses against Galatasaray might concern them before this game.
Galatasaray continued their unbeaten league run to 11 games after a 2-1 comeback win against Gaziantep.
Gaziantep led in the first half, but goals from Wilfried Zaha and Baris Yilmaz in the second half secured the win for Galatasaray.
Okan Buruk’s team is tied in points with Fenerbahce at the top, only behind on goal difference, intensifying the title race.
The Lions aim for a win on Friday, seeking to avoid the recent trend of trailing in their games.
Samsunspor Turkish Super Lig Form: W L W D W D
Samsunspor Form (All Competitions): L W W D W D
Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig Form: W D W W W W
Galatasaray Form (All Competitions): D W W W W W
Team News
Samsunspor will be without forward Gaetan Laura due to a muscle tear since November and Nanu, out with a hamstring injury until mid-February.
Galatasaray misses Hakim Ziyech and Cedric Bakambu, who are at the Africa Cup of Nations. Sergio Oliveira and Abdulkerim Bardakci are sidelined with injuries.
Wilfried Zaha, impactful in recent games, may start after being a substitute in the last match.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Samsunspor: (4-2-3-1)
Kocuk;
Yavru, Satka, Ozturk, Bola;
Tait, Antalyali;
Kilinc, Holse, Fofana;
Mouandilmadji
Galatasaray: (4-2-3-1)
Muslera;
Boey, Nelsson, Sanchez, B A Yilmaz;
Demirbay, Torreira;
Zaha, Mertens, Akturkoglu;
Icardi
Prediction: Samsunspor 1-2 Galatasaray
Despite recent struggles on the road, Galatasaray’s quality should edge out Samsunspor. The Lions’ drive for the title should help them secure another victory.
