Preview: Fatih Karagumruk vs. Galatasaray - prediction, team news, lineups

Galatasaray square off against Fatih Karagumruk on Sunday afternoon looking to further close the gap on the top two in the Super Lig table.

However, defeat for the Turkish giants at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium would see their hosts move ahead of them in the standings.

Match preview

© Reuters

There was a time not so long ago when Galatasaray were languishing in the mid-table positions, missing an opportunity to put the pressure on their rivals who were also showing signs of inconsistency.

However, four wins from five have changed the mood at Nef Stadyumu, moving Galatasaray to within seven points of unbeaten frontrunners Trabzonspor.

At a time when they are also unbeaten in the Europa League group stages, Fatih Terim can only be positive about the remainder of the season and their search for silverware.

While defeat at Besiktas is still fresh in the memory, the 2-0 triumph over Gaziantep FK has kept the pressure on the clubs below the leaders.

Olimpiu Morutan netted his third goal of the season during that contest, making it three players who now sit at the top of the scoring charts.

Despite Galatasaray being one of the form teams in the division, Karagumruk will fancy their chances of causing an upset on Sunday.

Last week's defeat to Kayserispor was a consequence of going down to 10 men with 29 minutes remaining, the home side's winning goal coming in the final minute.

Before that contest, Karagumruk had collected 10 points from a possible 12, the only dropped points coming in a 1-1 draw against second-placed Hatayspor.

Although they remain down in eighth position, Francesco Farioli will only be looking at the clubs above his team, a sign of the trajectory that the Black Red have been on in recent times.

One negative is the goals beginning to dry up in the final third, Karagumruk failing to score more than once in their last four outings.

Team News

Karagumruk will be without Derrick Luckassen after the right-back was dismissed during the defeat at Kayserispor.

However, Vegar Eggen Hedenstad, whose place he had taken in that game, is back from serving his own suspension.

Erhun Oztumer and Yann Karamoh are pushing for a return to the team in midfield.

Sofiane Feghouli will hope to retain his place on the right flank for Galatasaray after scoring on his return to the team in midweek.

Nevertheless, Terim only made one alteration for that fixture, and it would not come as a surprise if he introduced some fresh legs.

The form of centre-back Victor Nelsson will likely see Christian Luyindama having to remain patient on the substitutes' bench.

Fatih Karagumruk possible starting lineup:
Viviano; Hedenstad, Bekaroglu, Zukanovic, Erkin; Borini, Oztumer, Biglia, Bertolacci, Karamoh; Pesic

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Yedlin, Marcao, Nelsson, Van Aanholt; Akturkoglu, Morutan, Kutlu, Cicaldau, Feghouli; Dervisoglu

We say: Fatih Karagumruk 1-3 Galatasaray

Having now found their groove on both the domestic and European stage, it is difficult to write off Galatasaray. Karagumruk have the quality to capitalise on any tiredness, but we are backing the visitors to run out convincing winners.

Previews by email