Galatasaray are back in the Champions League, where they welcome Belgian leaders Union SG to Rams Park on Tuesday night.
Okan Buruk’s side sit ninth in the standings on nine points, and victory would momentarily push them into the upper tier of the standings.
Galatasaray vs. Union SG Preview
Galatasaray are on a three-match winning run in the Champions League, defeating Liverpool (1-0), Bodo/Glimt (3-1) and Ajax (3-0), and it has left them well-placed halfway into the league phase despite an opening-day loss to Eintracht Frankfurt (5-1).
A fourth successive triumph would mark a historic first for the Turkish side in the UCL group stage, having never done so before.
Their weekend return to domestic action also brought encouragement, as a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Genclerbirligi helped ease the sting of their pre-break league loss.
Galatasaray have not tasted defeat at Rams Park since August 2024, racking up a formidable run (24W, 9D). Two of those wins came in this season’s UCL campaign, giving them a chance to secure three home group-stage victories in one season for the first time since their 2000-01 quarter-final run.
Union SG enter this contest after a difficult stretch in Europe, suffering heavy defeats to Newcastle (4-0), Inter (4-0) and Atletico Madrid (3-1) following their opening win over PSV.
However, their overall form is better, as the Brussels outfit have lost just once in their last six matches in all competitions (4W, 1D) and arrive in Istanbul fresh off a confident 2-0 league win over Cercle Brugge.
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Galatasaray vs. Union SG head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between the clubs, though Galatasaray will be wary, having never beaten Belgian opposition in Europe (4L, 4D).
Galatasaray vs. Union SG team news
Galatasaray suffered several setbacks in their weekend win, with Wilfried Singo, Mario Lemina and Yusuf Demir all forced off and now doubtful.
They join a growing injury list that also includes Victor Osimhen (hamstring), Yunus Akgun (groin), Berkan Kutlu and Kaan Ayhan.
The hosts will also be without Eren Elmali and Metehan Baltaci, both suspended following betting-related sanctions issued within Turkish football.
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Union SG have their own selection issues. Fedde Leysen went off injured in the win over Cercle Brugge and is expected to miss out.
He joins Mohammed Fuseini (ankle), Guillaume Francois, Ivan Pavlic and Jens Teunckens on the sidelines.
Galatasaray vs Union SG probable lineups
Galatasaray: Cakir; Unyay, Bardakci, Sanchez, Karatas; Torreira, Gundogan; Sane, Sara, Sallai; Yilmaz
Union SG: Scherpen; Mac Allister, Burgess, Leysen; Patris, Schoofs, Zorgane, Khalaily; Rodriguez; Akinpelu, van de Perre
Galatasaray vs. Union SG prediction and betting tips
Galatasaray’s Champions League momentum, combined with their lengthy unbeaten run at Rams Park, makes them strong favourites.
Union SG remain competitive domestically but have been vulnerable in Europe, especially defensively, and Istanbul is rarely a forgiving venue.
Correct score prediction: Galatasaray 3-1 Union SG
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