Galatasaray vs Samsunspor: Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Galatasaray will face Samsunspor in the 15th round of the Turkish Super Lig on Friday evening. The home team aims to extend its impressive record against the visitors. Galatasaray has won the last eight encounters between these squads, while Samsunspor’s last triumph came back in 2005.

Match Preview

Galatasaray entered their last match against Fenerbahce with the chance to gain a four-point lead at the top. They were just seconds away from securing a victory when Fenerbahce’s Jhon Duran equalized in the 95th minute. Currently, Galatasaray leads the league with a one-point advantage. However, they must regain the rhythm that marked their early-season success.

Okan Buruk’s team has only one victory in their last four league games, a narrow 3-2 win over Genclerbirligi. In contrast, they previously secured nine wins in their initial ten matches. A decrease in offensive performance has been noticeable. Galatasaray has scored more than once in only one of their last four league matches, failing to score in two of them. The return of Victor Osimhen may provide a boost as the team prepares for this crucial match.

Samsunspor’s Form

Samsunspor arrives at the match in strong form, having gone 14 matches unbeaten across all competitions (7 wins, 7 draws). They have remained unscathed in their last ten league matches. However, the team has experienced a slight slowdown, with three consecutive draws, including a recent 1-1 tie against Alanyaspor after conceding a stoppage-time goal.

Samsunspor has proven adept at frustrating top league teams, managing draws against Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and Trabzonspor this season. They will need to maintain strong defensive focus to counter Galatasaray, who leads the league with 16 goals scored at home. Currently, Samsunspor sits fifth in the league, with 25 points, just one point shy of fourth place. A defeat could drop them to sixth by the end of the round.

Team News

Galatasaray will miss Ismail Jakobs and Wilfried Singo due to injuries. Eren Elmali and Metehan Baltaci are serving bans from betting violations. Victor Osimhen, who scored three goals in ten league matches, is expected to enhance the team’s offense following his recent comeback.

Samsunspor also faces several injury concerns. Long-term absentees include Olivier Ntcham, Ebrima Ceesay, Bedirhan Cetin, Tanguy Coulibaly, and Afonso Sousa. Additionally, Lubomir Satka is sidelined after returning from international duty with an injury, and Celil Yuksel is suspended amid ongoing betting scandals. Joe Mendes, who was sent off against Alanyaspor, is also unavailable.

Predicted Lineups

Galatasaray

• Cakir
• Sanchez
• Bardakci
• Lemina
• Karatas
• Torreira
• Sara
• Sane
• Gundogan
• Yilmaz
• Osimhen

Samsunspor

• Kocuk
• Yavru
• Borevkovic
• Van Drongelen
• Tomasson
• Makoumbou
• Musaba
• Aydin
• Holse
• Kilinic
• Ndiaye

Conclusion

This match poses a challenging test for both sides. While Galatasaray is not at their best currently, their historical success against Samsunspor provides them with confidence. The home advantage and the return of Osimhen could give Galatasaray the edge needed to secure a close victory, potentially ending Samsunspor’s unbeaten streak.