Galatasaray – Trabzonspor: Preview & Prediction [divider]
Trabzonspor travel to Galatasaray desperate to end a 950 day winless run against the Istanbul’s big three.
Galatasaray
Galatasaray have faced a lot of criticism from sections of the press and fan groups this season. You would never think it but the Lions are actually sitting in second place on goal difference tied on 19 points with league leaders and bitter rivals Fenerbahçe.
Cesare Prandelli has faced a lot of stick for Galatasaray’s Champions League form and the Lions have conceded four goals in a single game on four occasions this season
Prandelli has used a different starting line-up 15 times already this season and is expected to make a number of changes going into the Trabzonspor game.
The former Italian national team coach will be without the injured Dzemaili but other than the Swiss internationals absence he has a full strength squad.
Prandelli has talked about starting with Umut Bulut ahead of Burak Yılmaz but it is difficult to predict what the experienced coach will actually do come game time.
Trabzonspor
Trabzonspor fired Vahid Halilhodzic on whose instruction 22 players were signed this summer. The Bosnian coach has since been replaced by Ersun Yanal.
Yanal guided Fenerbahçe to the league title this season and is confident his side can deliver a blow against Galatasaray.
Onur Recep Kıvrak is out injured and Essaid Belkalem is out suspended for the Black Sea based side.
Prediction
The Lions have won their last three games against Trabzonspor and as highlighted above, the visitors have an awful track record in Istanbul. Yanal has his work cut out to stop a buoyant Galatasaray side that have won their last three home games. Those more interested in the goal markets should consider that there have been over 2.5 goals scored in Galatasaray’s last 6 league games.
Galatasaray Win / Over 2.5 goals
