Antalyaspor seek to end Galatasaray's unbeaten start to the 2023-24 Turkish Super League in Saturday's gameweek eight meeting at Corendon Airlines Park.
The home side are undefeated in two games, and avoiding a loss against the title contenders and defending champions takes them to three without losing.
Match preview
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Not only are Antalyaspor unbeaten in their last two games, Nuri Sahin's men have won both games, defeating Samsuspor and Istanbulspor with only a goal conceded in 180 minutes.
Both victories have seen Sahin's side rise to 10th in the standings, having gone the opening five rounds without claiming maximum points.
The home side undoubtedly have momentum, and they seek to continue that run as they aim to continue an unbeaten start at Corendon Airlines Park — two draws and one victory.
That will be far from straightforward given their last victory over Galatasaray on home turf came in April 2016, a 4-2 triumph over Gala.
Whether they increase their unbeaten home run to four remains to be seen, but the motivation to end a seven-year winless run against the league giants should motivate the Scorpions.
As for Galatasaray, Okan Buruk's men should still be on a high after getting the better of Manchester United in Tuesday's Champions League match at Old Trafford.
The 3-2 triumph continued Gala's unbeaten start to the season in which they have claimed maximum points in all competitions in all but two games in the league and on the continent.
Defeating the Red Devils put Buruk's side in an advantageous position to advance in their Champions League group, but a double-header with Bayern Munich will be pivotal for the defending Turkish champions' prospects.
They return to league action this weekend, seeking to keep pace with Fenerbahce, who sit two points ahead of the 23-time Turkish champions.
Gala have not dropped points in the competition since August 12 — a goalless encounter at Kayserispor on the opening weekend — and they will back themselves to secure a victory in Antalya.
Team News
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With Jakub Kaluzinski injured and unavailable, Erdal Rakip is expected to start in central midfield and Ufuk Akyol is sidelined.
Antalyaspor are likely to set up in their 4-2-3-1 on Saturday.
Hakim Ziyech has been nursing an injury for Galatasaray, and the wide playmaker is doubtful for this weekend's meeting.
Angelino should start at left-back, with Kazimcan Karatas sidelined for the defending Super Lig champions.
Mauro Icardi has netted seven times in the league this term, more than any other player in the division, and the former Inter Milan striker could add to that tally.
Antalyaspor possible starting lineup:
Leite; Balci, Toprak, Sari, Vural; Saric, Rakip; Yehezkel, Streek, Larsson; Buksa
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Boey, Bardakci, Sanchez, Angelino; Torreira, Demirbay; Tete, Akturkoglu, Zaha; Icardi
We say: Antalyaspor 0-2 Galatasaray
Gala have relied on their defensive strength away from home (one goal conceded in four matches), which should aid a comfortable victory at Antalyaspor.
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