Galatasaray vs Bayern Munich Predictions & Match Preview
Bayern Munich is poised to maintain their top spot in Group A as they face Galatasaray at Rams Park.
Tuesday’s #ChampionsLeague Fixtures 📸#UCL pic.twitter.com/uH0fRaZwvn
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The Bavarians have been prolific goal-scorers in the Bundesliga recently, making them the clear favorites in the eyes of bookmakers to defeat Galatasaray in Istanbul.
One player to watch in the visiting team is Harry Kane, who has already scored nine goals in the current Bundesliga campaign. Unfortunately, Marusic, Upamecano, Guerreiro, and Buchmann are sidelined due to injuries, with Serge Gnabry also uncertain.
On the other hand, the Turkish team had an impressive performance when they stunned Manchester United at Old Trafford in their second group match.
However, they face a much tougher challenge against Bayern Munich, who have been in excellent form recently. Okan Buruk has the luxury of fielding the best possible lineup against the German giants.
Team News:
Galatasaray’s triumph against Manchester United was marred by Lucas Torreira’s second-half injury. However, the former Arsenal player has fully recovered from that setback, as evidenced by his 85-minute performance in their recent victory over Besiktas before being substituted for Tanguy Ndombele.
With Torreira back in action, Galatasaray heads into the critical Tuesday showdown with a clean bill of health. This undoubtedly has contributed significantly to their recent string of successes. Nonetheless, Sergio Oliveira faces the risk of missing their upcoming encounter with Bayern next month if he receives a caution in this game.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese maestro is expected to be a benchwarmer this week. Coach Buruk is putting his faith in the same starting lineup that delivered a sensational win over Manchester United. All 11 players who featured from the beginning in that match will also be taking the field against Bayern, just as they did against Besiktas.
In contrast, Bayern’s squad remains plagued by injuries as they prepare for their demanding trip to Istanbul. None of Noussair Mazraoui (muscle), Manuel Neuer (leg), Dayot Upamecano (hamstring), Gabriel Marusic (ACL), Raphael Guerreiro (hip), or Tarek Buchmann (hamstring) are expected to be available.
Bayern’s injury woes deepened in their recent victory over Mainz, where midfielder Leon Goretzka suffered a suspected broken finger. While Serge Gnabry is nearing a return from a fractured forearm, his availability remains uncertain as of the current moment.
If Goretzka isn’t cleared to play, Konrad Laimer, who started as a right-back against Mainz, may be shifted into a midfield role. Bouna Sarr is expected to step in as a defensive replacement, with Matthijs de Ligt making a comeback alongside Kim Min-jae in the backline following his own recent recovery from an injury.
