Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Malmo
Match Time & Date:
12/12/2024
18:45
Prediction: 1-2
Galatasaray
Eleda Stadion will be the centre of attention when Malmo and Galatasaray square off against each other in the Europa League round 6. Malmo have not been in action in the national championship since November 10, 2024, which is probably the main reason why home win should not be considered. There are no fresh injury worries in the home team ahead of Thursday’s clash.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, are eyeing a top-eight finish. The Turks shared the spoils with AZ Alkmaar in their last Europa League match, but we predict that they are going to beat Malmo, who lack competitive games. Belgium ace Dries Mertens is a major doubt after limping off with injury in a 3-2 win over Sivasspor, with Elias Jelert being ready to step up. As always, a man to keep an eye on in the away team will be former Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
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 (Malmo):
Founded on February 24, 1910, Malmo are a Swedish team that compete in Allsvenskan league. The Blues welcome their rivals at Stadion, Malmo, the venue which was opened in April, 2009. It is important to note that the stadium can hold up to 22,500 supporters of which 18,000 are seated.
Malmo are the most successful Swedish side, with the team winning their 23rd domestic trophy in 2017. The Blues finished the season seven points clear of AIK, scoring 63 goals and conceding 27 in the process. Speaking of the club’s European success, Malmo did well to make it to the European Cup final in the 1978/1979 season, but they eventually failed to win the trophy.
The Swedish side were beaten by Nottingham Forest in the title game (0-1), with Trevor John Francis scoring the only goal of the match. Malmo wear sky-blue shirts and white shorts when playing at home, whereas their away colour is black.
AS Roma
Lazio
