Galatasaray v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Galatasaray host Man Utd in Istanbul on matchday five of the UEFA Champions League. United sit bottom of Group A and need a win or they face an early exit. The hosts won the reverse fixture 3-2 at Old Trafford and boast a number of former Premier League players.

Galatasaray Form

The Turkish giants began their Champions’ League group campaign with a 2-2 home draw against FC Copenhagen. On matchday two, they won 3-2 at Man Utd and they followed that with successive league victories. On matchday three, they lost 3-2 at home to Bayern Munich.

After two more Turkish Super Lig victories, they were beaten 2-1 away at Die Roten to drop to third place in Group A. A shock 2-1 loss at Hatayspor followed as Gala dropped to second place in the league. On Saturday, they breezed past Alanyaspor 4-0 at home.

Galatasaray Team News

Coach Okan Buruk has no injuries or suspensions for this match. He may decide to recall Hakim Ziyech on the right flank with Baris Yilmaz dropping down to the bench.

Left-back Angelino is another pushing for a recall whilst former Porto midfielder Sergio Oliveira may have to settle for a place on the bench. Striker Cedric Bakambu scored against Bayern Munich but is set to remain as a substitute with Mauro Icardi leading the line.

Galatasaray Motivation

Galatasaray sit third in the group with a trip to FC Copenhagen in their final match. If Bayern Munich were to win both their remaining matches, then two draws would see the Turkish club qualify in second place.

They will look to use width and quite a direct game against Man Utd. The very local and intimidating crowd will spur the side on to play with a high tempo and physicality.

Man Utd Form

United are in quite curious form. Their last 16 matches have seen eight defeats and eight wins. Three of those defeats have come in the Champions League including 3-2 at home to Galatasaray and 4-3 away at FC Copenhagen three weeks ago.

In the league, they’ve won five of their last six matches and are top of the form table in that period. Performances have been far from convincing though and four of those victories can by a one-goal margin. A 1-0 win at Fulham preceded a 1-0 home win over Luton, with the defeat in Denmark sandwiched by those victories. On Sunday, they won 3-0 at Everton despite allowing 24 shots and 2.47 xG.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag’s injury woes are easing in some areas and remain concerning in other departments. Lisandro Martinez is absent in defence and Casemiro is ruled out of midfield. Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, and Mason Mount are also injured.

Luke Shaw is back to boost the left-back position immensely and he played 76 minutes at Everton. Rasmus Hojlund should be back amongst the subs for this one and Antony should also return from a knock. Impressive teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is set for another start after impressing on his return at Goodison Park.

Man Utd Motivation

Man Utd have switched from trying to play a certain style to grinding out results. They desperately need a win here or they will be forced to beat Bayern Munich to have a chance of qualifying.

Expect a solid, steady display with the pace of Rashford and Garnacho used to play on the break.

Key Stats

Galatasaray have lost just once in 16 home matches (all competitions)

Galatasaray have lost 5 of their last 10 home matches in the Champions League

Man Utd have lost 3 of their 4 Champions League matches this season

Man Utd have won 6 of their last 8 league matches (5 by one goal margins)

Man Utd have drawn none of their last 16 matches

Verdict

This should be an entertaining match with goals to enjoy. Man Utd need a win and they may have enough to grind out another victory by a single-goal margin.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.40

Alternative Bet: Man Utd win at 2.45

High-Value Bet: Man Utd to win by exactly 1 goal at 4.45