Galatasaray welcome Hatayspor to Rams Park on Tuesday evening, looking to remain in the driver's seat as the Turkish Super Lig title race heats up.
The hosts are two points clear at the top of the table, while the visitors are just two points above the first side in the relegation zone.
Match preview
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Galatasaray came from behind to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory over Kasimpasa, extending their winning streak in the Super Lig to 12 matches before the international break.
In one of the most thrilling encounters this season, the Lions took the lead through Dries Mertens in the 27th minute, but their advantage was short-lived as Mauro Icardi inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
However, the forward redeemed himself by scoring a goal to restore Gala's lead, only for Kasimpasa to fight back again through Aytac Kara nine minutes later. Nuno da Costa then put the home side ahead before Claudio Winck's red card swung the momentum back in Gala's favour.
Icardi grabbed his second goal of the game, before on-loan Fulham striker Carlos Vinicius sealed the win for Okan Buruk's side, helping them maintain their two-point lead over Fenerbahce at the top of the tightly contested Turkish Super Lig table.
While Gala have been almost invincible this season, their only league defeat came against Hatayspor back in November when they lost 2-1.
They will face them at home on Tuesday, where the Lions boast an unbeaten home record against them, winning four and drawing one of their five encounters at Rams Park.
Hatayspor secured a much-needed 3-0 victory against Samsunspor before the break, their first win since February 2, ending a six-match winless run.
Carlos Strandberg set the tone with an early goal in the third minute, but the Falcons had to wait until late in the game to add further goals through Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the 89th minute and Rigoberto Rivas two minutes into stoppage time.
This victory helped them climb out of the relegation zone as they are now in 15th place, level on points with 16th-placed Konyaspor, but two points above Gaziantep who occupy the first relegation spot.
With eight games remaining in the campaign, Hatayspor will be hoping to avoid defeat against Gala on Tuesday, as every point is crucial in their fight for survival.
Team News
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Galatasaray will remain without Serge Aurier, who is yet to feature for them since signing due to an injury.
Davinson Sanchez is also doubtful as he has to pass a fitness test after suffering a muscle injury that has kept out of the last two matches.
Icardi took his tally to 16 goals last time out and should spearhead the attack for Gala once again, as he looks to catch up with Fenerbahce's Edin Dzeko, who is the league's top scorer with 18 goals.
Hatayspor head into this clash with a fully fit squad and no player suspended, leaving the manager with enough options.
Strandberg is expected to spearhead the attack once again, receiving support from Rui Pedro Silva behind him.
Sinik should play from the right side of attack while Rivas is the man expected to play from the left in attack.
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Kohn, Nelsson, Kutlu, Ayhan; Torreira, Demirbay; Akturkoglu, Mertens, Yilmaz; Icardi
Hatayspor possible starting lineup:
Kardesler; Alici, Kilama, Maksimovic, Ghoulam; Beyaz, Massanga; Pedro, Sinik, Rivas; Strandberg
We say: Galatasaray 2-1 Hatayspor
Galatasaray are on fire right now and we think they will pick up from where they left off before the break when they face Hatayspor. However, we think that the visitors will not make it easy as they also need the points for survival.
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