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Karagumrukvs.Galatasaray

sportsmole.co.uk, 10 May 2024, 21:48
Two sides in the opposing ends of the Turkish Super Lig table will face off when Fatih Karagumruk welcome Galatasaray to Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

The visitors will be crowned champions on Sunday if they better Fenerbahce's result while the hosts are only two points above the relegation zone.

Match preview

Fatih Karagumruk's hopes of reaching the Turkish Cup final were dashed after a 4-0 defeat to Trabzonspor on Wednesday, resulting in a 7-2 aggregate loss in the semi-final.

The Cup exit means the Istanbul side will now switch their focus entirely to the Super Lig, where they are looking to secure their top-flight status.

Karagumruk are unbeaten in their last three league matches, following a 3-2 win over Trabzonspor, a 4-1 victory over Antalyaspor, and a 2-2 draw with Kayserispor last Saturday.

These results leave them in 15th place with 37 points from 35 games, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

With three games remaining, the priority for the Kara Kirmizis is to maintain this momentum and secure their survival in the top tier. However, their next challenge comes against a side they have not beaten in their last six league meetings.

Additionally, under manager Tolunay Kafkas, Karagumruk have only managed one win, one draw, and one defeat in their three home matches this season. An unlikely win on Sunday is crucial for their survival hopes.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray extended their winning run in the Super Lig to a remarkable 16 matches after thrashing Sivasspor 6-1 at home last Sunday.

Hakim Ziyech, Dries Mertens, and Mauro Icardi all grabbed braces as the Lions increased their lead at the top of the table to six points following Fenerbahce's draw with Konyaspor.

With 96 points, Gala have already broken the record for most points in a 38-game Turkish Super Lig season. They will be crowned champions this Sunday if they simply better Fenerbahce's result in their respective fixture.

Galatasaray boast the second-best away record in the league this season, losing just once in 17 away games. They will be brimming with confidence heading into this crucial clash, having won 13 away games and drawn three along the way.

Their historical dominance over Sunday's opponents, with 14 wins, five draws, and only four defeats in 23 meetings, further strengthens their position as favourites for the title defence.

Fatih Karagumruk Turkish Super Lig form:

D

L

L

W

W

D

Fatih Karagumruk form (all competitions):

D

L

L

W

W

D

Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig form:

W

W

W

W

W

W

Team News

The hosts will be without Sofiane Feghouli who was sent off in the draw with Kayserispor and is serving a match ban.

Andrea Bertolacci is sidelined with a muscle injury that is expected to keep him off the pitch until late May.

Marcao is expected to lead the line once again after finding the net in consecutive league matches, while Valentin Eysseric will provide support behind the striker.

Galatasaray have a fully fit squad ahead of Sunday's clash as no injury or suspension has been reported.

Icardi took his tally to 23 goals last time out, tightening his grip on the top scorer award in the Super Lig this season, and he will be looking to maintain this lead on Sunday.

The trio of Mertens, Baris Yilmaz and Ziyech are expected to provide support for the striker once again.

Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:

Sirigu; Veseli, Biraschi, Ceccherini, Mercan; Rohden, Kourbelis; Yalcin, Eysseric, Keles; Marcao

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:

Muslera; Kohn, Nelsson, Kutlu, Ayhan; Torreira, Demirbay; Ziyech, Mertens, Yilmaz; Icardi

We say: Fatih Karagumruk 1-3 Galatasaray

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