Two teams at opposite ends of the Turkish Super Lig table will go head-to-head when Bodrumspor host Galatasaray at Bodrum Ilce Stadi on Saturday.
The hosts are the first team in the relegation zone and are on a five-match winless streak, while the visitors are top of the table.
Match preview
© Imago
Having earned promotion to the Super Lig for the first time at the end of last season, Bodrum are not having it easy in their maiden top-flight campaign, a situation that led to former head coach Ismet Tasdemir leaving by mutual agreement.
The newly-promoted side won three of their opening seven matches, but they have now failed to win any of their last five, losing three times and drawing twice since the win over Adana Demirspor on September 29th.
Before the international break, Bodrum took an early lead against Antalyaspor, but conceded three goals in the first half, before reducing the deficit in the second half in what was an unsuccessful attempt at a comeback, eventually resulting in a 3-2 defeat.
Omer Erdogan has failed to win any of the two matches he managed since he took over the job (D1 L1), and his side are currently 16th with 11 points from 12 matches.
Things are not looking to ease up for the hosts, as they welcome the unbeaten league leaders this weekend in what will be the first-ever meeting between both teams.
© Imago
Galatasaray showed their might in a battle of the top two last time out when they won 3-2 against Samsunspor to increase their lead at the top of the table.
In-form Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, scored in the third minute to give the Lions an early lead, before restoring the lead in the 55th minute, five minutes after the opposition had equalised.
Michy Batshuayi scored a third for Okan Buruk's side in the 85th minute, and this proved to be the winner as Samsunspor grabbed a second from the spot in stoppage time.
With 10 wins and one draw in 11 league matches, Galatasaray are the only unbeaten side left in the Super Lig, and they are now on 31 points, five ahead of second-place Fenerbahce.
Buruk will hope his side maintain the momentum against Bodrum on Saturday, as victory here will see the Lions extend their winning streak to seven matches across all competitions, and five in the Super Lig.
Team News
© Imago
Bodrum will be without Suleyman Ozdamar and Tunahan Akpinar for the clash, as they are nursing ankle and shin injuries, respectively.
Mustafa Erdilman is out until next year with a ligament injury, while Christophe Herelle is doubtful as he hopes to recover in time from an ankle injury.
Galatasaray will have to play without Mauro Icardi for a while after the striker ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, and could be out for the rest of the season.
Centre-back Davinson Sanchez will also miss this clash as he is suspended for one match after accumulating an unhealthy number of yellow cards.
All focus will be on Osimhen, who will be hoping to maintain his excellent scoring form, having scored in each of his last four Super Lig appearances (six goals), while he has also netted for Nigeria during the international break.
Bodrumspor possible starting lineup:
Akkan; Celustka, Ajeti, Aytemur, Bilsel; Brazao; Seferi, Antalyali, Fredy, Bayrakdar; Puscas
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Yilmaz, Nelsson, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Sara; Sallai, Mertens, Akgun; Osimhen
We say: Bodrumspor 0-2 Galatasaray
Galatasaray will have too much for Bodrum to handle, as the visitors are playing at a level that seems almost unstoppable at the moment, and this is why we are expecting a straightforward win for the visiting side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
