Preview: Galatasaray vs. Goztepe SK - prediction, team news, lineups

Galatasaray play host to Goztepe SK on Sunday looking to avoid a third successive defeat in Super Lig, their recent run leaving the Turkish giants in 11th position in the table.

The visitors have also lost their last two league fixtures, putting them under pressure to find the result which may be required to keep them outside of the bottom four.

Match preview

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Fatih Terim would have been delighted with Galatasaray's start to the season, their four league matches passing by without defeat and qualification for the Europa League group stages being secured.

However, it has all gone down hill since their terrific 1-0 victory over Lazio earlier this month, back-to-back defeats coming against Alanyaspor and Kayserispor respectively.

The reverse at the latter earlier this week will be of most concern with three goals being conceded during a 14-minute period either side of half time.

While they remain just six points adrift of leaders Besiktas, Terim will not want to fall further behind their rivals and a group of teams in close proximity to them.

Galatasaray have gone seven halves of football without one of their players scoring a goal, their only effort during that period being an own goal against Lazio.

Goztepe appeared to have turned a corner either side of the international break when they claimed four points versus Sivasspor and Istanbul Basaksehir.

However, losing to Altay and Hatayspor has left Goz Goz down in 15th position and perilously close to dropping into the relegation zone.

Nestor El Maestro's team have still not conceded more than twice in a game this season, but they are still waiting for their first goal from open play in the first half.

Goztepe are one of eight teams in Super Lig who are still searching for their first win on away territory this campaign.

Team News

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Terim made four substitutions before the hour mark at Kayerispor and some of the players introduced will come into the Galatasaray XI.

Mbaye Diagne could lead the attack, while Christian Luyindama and Ryan Babel will both expect a recall after remaining as unused substitutes.

Kerem Akturkoglu is also an option on one of the flanks after emerging as one of the bright spots in midweek.

While Marcao remains suspended for Galatasaray, Goztepe are missing Beykan Simsek after his dismissal as a substitute against Hatayspor.

David Tijanic, who has featured in every game this season, is pushing for a recall in midfield.

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Yedlin, Luyindama, Nelsson, Van Aanholt; Babel, Morutan, Kutlu, Cicaldau, Akturkoglu; Diagne

Goztepe SK possible starting lineup:
Egribayat; Alici, Arslanagic, Angel, Emir; Akbunar, Tijanic, Nwobodo, Aydogdu, Lourency; Ndiaye

We say: Galatasaray 1-0 Goztepe SK

Given their respective failings of late, we expect this contest to be a tense affair. Nevertheless, driven on by a passionate home crowd, Galatasaray could potentially edge this fixture by the odd goal.