Galatasaray welcome neighbours Istanbulspor to the Ali Sami Yen Stadium on Thursday in a potential mismatch in the Super Lig.
The hosts moved level on points with rivals Fenerbahce at the top on the weekend, while Istanbulspor remain rooted to the foot of the table, a long way from safety.
Match preview
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Even though Galatasaray are currently enjoying a 14-game winning home run domestically, it was a sensational away performance which closed the gap on Fener at the weekend.
A Wilfried Zaha-inspired Gala thrashed 2021-22 champions Trabzonspor 5-1, with the former Crystal Palace winger showing Ivory Coast what they are missing after his snub from their Africa Cup of Nations squad, scoring twice and setting up another.
It was the perfect way to respond after Fenerbahce dropped two points in a very surprising draw with Samsunspor earlier on Sunday.
That leaves the two clubs tied on an incredible 54 points from just 21 games, as their relentless battle for the title goes on.
While Fener's much superior goal difference is unlikely to be caught, Gala must hope for another slip up while they maintain their excellent recent form.
The schedule is looking kind for Okan Buruk's side too, as their next three fixtures all come against sides in the bottom six.
Their next clash comes against bottom-of-the-table Istanbulspor, who are still suffering from a three-point deduction they were given after forfeiting their match with Trabzonspor after the club owner demanded them to leave the field to contest a refereeing decision.
Form before and after that incident was rather dismal anyway, and despite a recent upturn in results, Istanbulspor are still a mammoth 12 points from safety.
That is despite keeping back-to-back clean sheets and taking five points from their previous three games.
The recent form was sparked by an impressive late comeback at Adana Demirspor, where two goals in the final 10 minutes saw Osman Korkmaz's side salvage a point, before they held Konyaspor to a 0-0 draw.
A momentous result at the weekend saw Istanbulspor win their first away game since early February as they beat Kayserispor 1-0 to keep some slim hopes of a miraculous survival alive.
Anything but six points from upcoming home games against Samsunspor and Gaziantep will likely end their chances though, with a defeat expected here against the champions.
Team News
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Galatasaray remain without Hakim Ziyech and Cedric Bakambu due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations, with both set to reach the knockout round.
The hosts will also be without key central defender Abdulkerim Bardakci after a yellow card in the win over Trabzonspor triggered a suspension.
After his excellent display in that win, Zaha will expect to remain in the starting XI over Tete, with Kerem Akturkoglu set to start on the left.
On the injury front, Sergio Oliveira is the only current absentee for Galatasaray, so Lucas Torreira and Kerem Demirbay are set to start in the centre of midfield.
Istanbulspor are set to have their full complement available for this encounter, as Vefa Temel will return from suspension after missing the Kayserispor win.
After goalkeeper David Jensen left late last year, Alp Arda has been thrust into the side, and he has taken his chance with both hands, keeping consecutive clean sheets between the sticks.
Giannelli Imbula is set to be absent from the squad again, with an exit this month likely after playing just 64 minutes all season so far.
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Sanchez, B A Yilmaz; Demirbay, Torreira; Zaha, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi
Istanbulspor possible starting lineup:
Arda; Erdogan, Yesil, Deli; Sambissa, Mamadou, Vorobjovas, Loshaj, Yasar; Ndao, Ethemi
We say: Galatasaray 3-0 Istanbulspor
Galatasaray have not been as ruthless in attack as their city rivals Fenerbahce this season, but a 5-1 win at Trabzonspor proves they can turn on the style.
There is little hope for the Super Lig's bottom side here, as Gala should record a routine victory to keep the pressure on at the top.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Andrew Delaney
