Fatih Karagumruk vs Galatasaray: Prediction, Team News, Lineups
In the upcoming Turkish Super Lig clash, last-placed Fatih Karagumruk will host league leaders Galatasaray at Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadium. The match is scheduled for Saturday, as Karagumruk fights to escape the relegation zone while Galatasaray looks to maintain its slender lead.
Match Overview
Galatasaray currently holds a one-point advantage over second-placed Fenerbahce, making this match crucial for both teams. The Lions experienced a disappointing draw against Gaziantep in their last outing, reducing their lead to a mere point and raising concerns about their current form.
Recent Performance
Under manager Okan Buruk, Galatasaray has struggled recently, failing to win three of their last five matches. Their record includes a Turkish Super Cup loss and two consecutive draws. This inconsistency has heightened scrutiny, especially considering their expensive squad.
- Recent Matches for Galatasaray:
- 1-1 Draw with Gaziantep
- 1-1 Draw with Atletico Madrid (Champions League)
- 0-2 Loss to Fenerbahce (Super Cup)
On the other hand, Fatih Karagumruk’s situation is dire. Currently at the bottom of the Super Lig, they are seven points adrift of safety. Their winless streak has reached six matches across all competitions. After 18 games, they have managed only nine points from two victories.
- Recent Matches for Fatih Karagumruk:
- 2-1 Loss to Istanbul Basaksehir
- 2-2 Draw with Alanyaspor (Turkish Cup)
Managerial Changes
Fatih Karagumruk’s management instability is evident this season. They have already changed coaches three times, with Aleksandar Stanojevic now tasked with reversing their fortunes. Unfortunately, his tenure has started without a win.
Team News and Lineups
Karagumruk has most of its squad available, except for Matias Kranevitter, who is suspended. Joao Camacho is under assessment for potential participation. Recently, they signed Ivorian players Ahmed Traore and Abdul Kader Moussa Kone to strengthen their lineup.
Conversely, Galatasaray will miss key players Gabriel Sara and Arda Unyay due to injuries. Wilfried Singo is also recovering from a hamstring issue, while Metehan Baltaci faces suspension.
Predicted Lineups
| Fatih Karagumruk | Galatasaray |
|---|---|
| Grbic | Cakir |
| Esgaio | Elmali |
| Kadioglu | Sanchez |
| Balkovec | Bardakci |
| Kurukalip | Sallai |
| Kalayci | Gundogan |
| Ozcan | Lemina |
| Serginho | Sane |
| Cukur | Akgun |
| Larsson | Yilmaz |
| Fofana | Osimhen |
Final Thoughts
This matchup presents Galatasaray with an opportunity to regain momentum amidst recent challenges. They are expected to capitalize on Karagumruk’s defensive frailties and continue their pursuit of the title. A confident victory could solidify their position at the top of the table.
El-Balad predicts a scoreline of Fatih Karagumruk 0-2 Galatasaray, as the visitors look to assert their dominance.