Our prediction for this Europa League match:
RFS
Match Time & Date:
03/10/2024
11:45 AM
Prediction: 1-4
Galatasaray
RFS face an uphill task as they host Galatasaray following a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Steaua. The Latvians' defence struggled in that encounter, and the absence of key players like Diomande, Lemajic, and Jatta, along with doubts over Emerson Deocleciano, further weakens their chances.
The Turks, on the other hand, are in fine attacking form, boosted by the arrival of summer recruit Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker has added a sharp edge to their attack, making them a formidable force. However, they will be without experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who misses out through suspension, while Hakim Ziyech is sidelined with injury. Roland Sallai remains a doubt ahead of Thursday's clash. Even with these absences, Galatasaray’s superior quality and depth should be enough to secure a positive result in Latvia. RFS will need to be defensively solid to stand a chance, but preventing Osimhen and Co. from finding the net is easier said than done.
Highlighted Player (Kaan Ayhan):
The Turkish-German defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, started playing football in his hometown, Gelsenkirchen, for the Schalke 04 youth academy when he was only four years old, in 1999. He signed his first professional contract in January 2018, but had to wait for his debut for almost two years.
Ayhan substituted Adam Szalai in the 4-1 win against Augsburg, on 5th October 2013. His first goal for Die Königsblauen came on May 2014, in a 2-0 win against SC Freiburg. However, the 23-year-old had to look for regular game time elsewhere, so he joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a loan deal. Despite the fact that there was an option of a permanent signing of the Turkish player, Eintracht decided not to use it, since the price was too demanding.
After 17 years at Schalke, Kaan Ayhan joined Fortuna Dusseldorf on August 2016. Even though he played both for Turkey and Germany junior national teams, the center-back decided to pledge his allegiance to Turkey, recording his debut for the Turkish senior team on August 2016, under the famous Fatih Terim.
Highlighted Team (Galatasaray):
Over the years Galatasaray have established themselves as one of the best teams in Turkey. The Aslanlar (the Lions) were founded back in October 1905 by Ali Sami Yen and fellow students of Galatasaray High School. Ali Sami Yen himself was the club’s first president and, as a result, he was given the club’s membership No. 1.
The Gala are one of the most successful Turkish teams and it has to be noted that they won their 21st Super Lig trophy in the 2017/2018 season. The capital club collected 75 points from possible 102, with the team finishing the season three points clear of their bitter rivals Fenerbahce. Speaking of European success, Galatasaray won UEFA Cup in the 1999/2000 season, with the team beating Arsenal on penalties in the title game.
In 2000 the Lions won UEFA Super cup as they outplayed star-studded Real Madrid 2-1 at Stade Louis II in Monaco. Galatasaray play their home games at Turk Telekom Stadi and they are well known for their yellow and red jerseys.
Leicester
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Nottingham Forest
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Crystal Palace 
Milan 
Juventus 
Man City
Tottenham
Celta Vigo 
Barcelona 
