Galatasaray will hope to maintain their perfect record in the 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig when they host Kasimpasa at Rams Park on Saturday evening.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be hoping to end a two-match losing streak this season and a five-match losing run in this fixture.
Match preview
© Reuters
Galatasaray extended their winning run to five competitive matches with a 3-1 victory over PAOK on Wednesday night, kick-starting their Europa League group stage campaign.
After a goalless first half, the star-studded Lions made light work of their Greek opponents in the second half. Baba Rahman's own goal put the Turkish side ahead, but Giannis Konstantelias equalised for PAOK before Yunus Akgun restored the lead, and the returning Mauro Icardi sealed the win for Galatasaray with a stoppage-time goal.
It was an identical scoreline to the one recorded by Okan Buruk's side in the Intercontinental derby against Fenerbahce last weekend, as Galatasaray increased their lead at the top of the Super Lig table over their rivals to five points, having already amassed 18 points.
Buruk will urge his team to maintain their momentum as they face Kasimpasa on Saturday, aiming to extend their Super Lig winning run to eight matches dating back to the previous season.
In five home games across all competitions this season, the Lions have won four and lost one, with the defeat coming against Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League qualifying stages.
© Imago
After finishing fifth last season, Kasimpasa have not looked like a side that can reach the same heights in the current campaign, with the visitors struggling to record wins.
Just one victory has been recorded by the Apaches after six league matches, drawing three and losing two, which has left them in 11th place with six points.
Sami Ugurlu's side settled for a goalless draw in their most recent game against Antalyaspor, finishing the match with 10 men after Josip Brekalo received a straight red card in the 77th minute.
An away trip to Galatasaray would likely have been considered a match where a point would feel like three before the start of the season, but with Kasimpasa's start compared to their opponent's, the chances of a point have become even more bleak.
However, the Apaches are heading into this clash without defeat in their last three matches on the road dating back to the previous campaign, picking up a draw and a win each in their two away matches this season.
Team News
© Imago
Galatasaray have one confirmed absentee as Hakim Ziyech is sidelined with a muscle injury until next month, while Roland Sallai is doubtful.
Victor Osimhen has assisted three goals across all competitions since joining Gala but the striker will hope to find the net for the first time at his new club when he takes to the pitch on Saturday.
It remains to be seen how Buruk manages the minutes between Icardi, Osimhen and Michy Batshuayi, with all forwards capable of holding their own up front.
Kasimpasa will be without new signing Brekalo for this clash as he serves suspension for his dismissal in the last league match.
Turkish forward Erdem Cetinkaya is expected to take his place in the starting line-up, with Nuno da Costa likely playing from the wings while the 23-year-old leads the attack.
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Guvenc; Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Sara; Yilmaz, Mertens, Akgun; Osimhen
Kasimpasa possible starting lineup:
Gianniotis; Winck, Opoku, Ozcan, Rodrigues; Cafu; Barak, Kara, Ouanes, Costa; Cetinkaya
We say: Galatasaray 3-0 Kasimpasa
Galatasaray have been in excellent form, with goals coming from all areas of the team, and they are likely to prove too strong for Kasimpasa, who have struggled to find their rhythm since the beginning of the season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
