Galatasarayvs.Eyupspor

The Lions are unbeaten in the league so far, and have won their last five matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding just three times.

Match preview

Galatasaray extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to 16 matches after a 1-1 draw with AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday, thanks to a 43rd-minute Victor Osimhen strike that restored parity after the Lions went behind in the second minute.

Prior to Thursday's draw, Okan Buruk's side pipped Bodrumspor 1-0 in their most recent Super Lig clash, with Michy Batshuayi's goal in the 54th minute being the only goal despite the opponent playing the entirety of the second half with ten men.

The victory maintained Gala's five-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce, despite both teams having the joint-best attack and defence in the league, with 33 goals scored and 11 goals each conceded.

With Fenerbahce not playing until Monday, the Lions can temporarily go eight points clear with a win over Eyupspor on Sunday, in what will be the first Super Lig meeting between both sides.

Buruk's side have won 27 of their last 29 Super Lig fixtures at home, and have won the previous four encounters against Sunday's opposition.

Eyupspor lost their first home game in the top flight in a 2-1 defeat to Caykur Rizespor last time out, a game that also ended their four-game unbeaten streak.

Ahmed Kutucu scored for a second straight game to give Arda Turan's men the lead, but two second-half goals undid all the good work, leaving the Istanbul-based side with 22 points and in fourth place, one ahead of fifth-placed Goztepe who have played one fewer game.

Eyupspor, who have the second-best defence in the league with 13 goals conceded, will be hoping that their solid defence gets them through the game against the league's best team.

However, Turan's team have conceded in five of their seven away games, though they are unbeaten in the last two, winning with a clean sheet in their most recent game on the road.

Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig form:

D

W

W

W

W

W

Galatasaray form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

D

Eyupspor Turkish Super Lig form:

L

W

D

W

W

L

Team News

Mauro Icardi is out for a long time after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, while Kaan Ayhan is doubtful for Galatasaray.

Senegalese defender Ismail Jakobs is also sidelined until next year with an injury to his Achilles tendon.

Kutucu, Melih Kabasakal and Robin Yalcin will all miss this clash for Eyupspor, with all three suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards.

On the injury front, Fredrik Midtsjo and Recep Niyaz are sidelined with ACL injuries, with the former ruled out for the entire season.

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:

Muslera; Sanchez, Bardakci, Nelsson; Yilmaz, Torreira, Sara, Akgun; Mertens; Osimhen, Batshuayi

Eyupspor possible starting lineup:

Ozer; Erkin, Dubois, Vezo, Meras; Ilter, Shelvey; Ampem, Saiz, Akbaba; Thiam

We say: Galatasaray 2-0 Eyupspor

Galatasaray are the outright favourites to triumph in this clash, given how solid they have looked all season and their great record at home.

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