Gaziantepvs.Galatasaray

Cimbom sit six points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table, but their recent performances have been far from convincing as they have laboured to secure victories.

Match preview

Okan Buruk's side suffered their first defeat since August in a 2-1 Europa League loss to Ajax, missing out on an automatic spot in the Round of 16, as they now face a two-legged playoff against AZ Alkmaar later this month.

For now, the focus shifts back to the domestic front, where Galatasaray aim to maintain their lead over second-placed Fenerbahce who are closing in on them.

A frustrating 1-1 draw against struggling Hatayspor raised concerns, but Cimbom bounced back with a narrow 1-0 win over Konyaspor last weekend, courtesy of a first-half penalty from Victor Osimhen.

Despite their strong position at the top, Buruk's men have struggled to make their dominance count in recent outings, and they will be keen to avoid another sluggish performance against a Gaziantep side they have historically dominated, winning 10 of their 12 meetings, including the last five.

However, their recent away form is cause for concern - the defeat to Ajax and the draw with Hatayspor - and Galatasaray will need to be at their best, as any further slip-ups could put their title hopes under pressure.

Gaziantep will be eager to capitalise on any vulnerability from the visitors, especially as Selcuk Inan's side have been formidable at home, collecting 21 points from a possible 30 at the Gaziantep Stadium.

GFK have not lost on their own turf across all competitions since a 2-1 defeat to Samsunspor in their opening Super Lig home game of the season.

Before the recent home draw against Bodrum, Gaziantep had won nine straight matches at the Gaziantep Stadium, six of which were in the Super Lig, and this impressive home form has propelled them to 10th in the table, well clear of relegation concerns.

However, their momentum took a hit last time out with a 2-1 defeat at Samsunspor, ending a four-match unbeaten run despite a spirited performance.

Gaziantep Turkish Super Lig form:

L

W

D

W

D

L

Gaziantep form (all competitions):

Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig form:

W

W

W

W

D

W

Galatasaray form (all competitions):

W

W

D

D

W

L

Team News

Godfrey Bitok remains sidelined for Gaziantep with a leg injury, meaning Mustafa Eskihellac is set to continue at left wing-back.

Enric Saborit is also unavailable due to an ankle issue, but with no fresh injury concerns, Inan is likely to stick with the same starting XI from last weekend.

Galatasaray's striker Mauro Icardi is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, while Kerem Demirbay also remains sidelined through injury.

According to reports, Ismail Jakobs is struggling with an Achilles tendon issue, which could see Berkan Kutlu fill in at left back.

Gaziantep possible starting lineup:

Bozan; Viana, Mandouki, Kizildag; Eskihallac, Daubin, Ndiaye, Kozlowski, Sorescu; Okereke, Boateng

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:

Muslera; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Kutl; Torreira, Ayhan; Akgun, Mertens, Yilmaz; Osimhen

We say: Gaziantep 1-1 Galatasaray

Gaziantep have won five of their last six home games and are known for their disciplined, stubborn defensive setup under head coach Inan.

Written by

Joshua Cole

Previews by email