Galatasaray will host fellow title rivals Gaziantep in the Super Lig on Monday. At the top of the table, the home team and their longtime rivals Fenerbahce are tied on points, while the visitors are just one point above the relegation zone.
Preview (Galatasaray vs. Gaziantep)
Galatasaray overcame a late deficit to defeat bottom-placed Istanbulspor 3-1, extending their incredible league unbeaten run to 10 games. Istanbulspor took the lead thanks to a goal from David Sambissa, but Galatasaray rallied for a brace from Kem Akturkoglu. Mauro Icardi secured the victory with another penalty in stoppage time. As the race for the title heats up, Okan Buruk’s team is currently equal on points with league leaders Fenerbahce. Galatasaray has a strong home record, having won 15 straight domestic games at their stronghold. They will look to continue this winning streak to 16 while hoping that one of their opponents will make a mistake.
Galatasaray has a strong head-to-head record against Gaziantep, their next opponent. They have prevailed in eight of their previous ten meetings with just one tie and one loss. Buruk’s team has won all 11 of their league games at home this season, and they’ll be looking to keep their unbreakable hold on their home field on Monday. Conversely, Gaziantep’s winless streak in the league extended to five games with their most recent 1-1 tie with Konyaspor. Before the break, Marlos Moreno of Konya tied the score thanks to an own goal by Marius Sumudica’s team.
Due to their difficulties, Gaziantep is currently behind in 15th position, one point above the relegation zone. When the Eagles visit the very successful Galatasaray on Monday, they will be looking to snap their losing streak and extend their winning run to three games on the road. They face a formidable opponent, though, since they haven’t lost at home all season.
Team News
Due to their continued involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, where both players have advanced to the knockout stages with their respective teams, Galatasaray will be without Hakim Ziyech and Cedric Bakambu. Abdulkerim Bardakci and Sergio Oliveira are both out due to hamstring and muscle ailments, respectively. Icardi may play for the first time since returning from injury. Emre Akin Akinoglu will likely start on the left flank after his strong showing in the win over Istanbulspor.
Max-Alain Gradel is an Ivorian who is now representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, which is being hosted in his home country. As a result, Gaziantep will be missing his creative spark on Monday night. Both Mustafa Eskihellac and Oztetik are out of the running for selection since they have received one-match suspensions for receiving too many yellow cards. With a leg injury that requires treatment, Ulas Zengin is the only player on Sumudica’s roster that is injured. It is unknown when he will be able to return.
Galatasaray 3-0 Gaziantep
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