Galatasaray v Tottenham – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Galatasaray hosts Tottenham Okan Buruk’s side is unbeaten in 11 matches, while Spurs have won nine of their last 11 fixtures. Something has to give in Istanbul as Tottenham chases a fourth straight win in this competition.

Galatasaray Form

Since their Champions League qualifiers loss to Young Boys in August, Galatasaray has remained unbeaten all season. Following a 3-1 victory over rivals Fenerbahce, they kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 3-1 home win over PAOK. However, they were held to two surprising draws—3-3 at home to Kasimpasa after leading 3-0, and 2-2 against Riga FS in Europe after being 2-0 up.

Galatasaray has since responded with four consecutive wins, including a 3-0 victory over Antalyaspor and a 4-3 home win over Elfsborg in the Europa League. Their most recent match was a 2-1 home win against Besiktas on Sunday, where they recorded 20 shots and 1.99 Expected Goals with only 39% possession.

Galatasaray Team News

Left-back Ismail Jakobs has missed the last two matches due to injury but may return to boost options for this game. There are no other injury concerns or suspensions for Galatasaray.

Coach Okan Buruk will need to choose between his preferred formations of 4-4-2 and 3-4-1-2. Dries Mertens is hoping for a recall to play behind the front two, while another option could be to bench Mauro Icardi and play Victor Osimhen as a lone striker.

Galatasaray Motivation

At home, motivation will be extremely high, with a loud and passionate crowd expected. The fans won’t allow the team to settle for a draw. Galatasaray will push to defeat Tottenham and take a big step toward the next stage of the competition.

Tottenham Form

Spurs are on a strong run with nine wins in 11 matches. This streak began with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, generating 4.59 xG, though it includes a collapse at Brighton, where they led 2-0 at halftime but lost 3-2. They followed that with a 4-1 league win at West Ham.

In the Europa League, they beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0, then lost 1-0 at Crystal Palace, managing just 0.74 xG. A 2-1 win over a second-string Manchester City in the Carabao Cup was followed by an impressive 4-1 home win against Aston Villa last weekend. Tied at 1-1 after 74 minutes, Spurs scored three late goals to seal the victory.

Tottenham Team News

Spurs will likely be without Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero in defense, with Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin expected to play centrally. Djed Spence is also a doubt, limiting options at fullback.

Heung-Min Son is set to be rested following recent injuries, while Wilson Odobert is ruled out and Richarlison has a hamstring complaint. Timo Werner and Archie Gray are expected to be in the starting XI.

Tottenham Motivation

Ange Postecoglou’s side has won all three matches in this competition so far. With a number of injuries, this match may see Spurs resting several players.

Tottenham will look to attack and maintain their usual playing style in Turkey.

Key Stats

Galatasaray is unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions (9 wins, 34 goals scored).

Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen has scored four goals in his last four matches.

Tottenham has won nine of their last 11 matches (26 goals scored).

Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson has scored seven goals in his last 11 matches.

Verdict

With Tottenham’s injuries and the form of Osimhen, this match looks favorable for a Galatasaray win.