Gaziantep vs Galatasaray Prediction: Defending Champions Gala To Make It Two Wins In A Row!

Gaziantep are still in search of their first victory of the 2023-24 Turkish Super Lig season as they play host to defending champions Galatasaray at the Gaziantep Stadium in the fourth round.

Let's have a look at the latest Turkish Super Lig predictions between Gaziantep vs. Galatasaray, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time! 

Gaziantep

Gaziantep has undoubtedly fallen short of expectations this season, with three games played so far. In the previous season, fate decided to lend a helping hand to prevent them from being relegated to the second tier; however, their bid for a campaign of redemption has taken an abrupt turn, making this another enduring season for the southeastern side.

Their recent match against Konyaspor on the road saw them succumb to a convincing 2:0 defeat. This defeat comes after their 3:1 loss to Sivasspor at home, where their inefficiency in front of goal was their undoing, with Furkan Soyalp's lone strike serving as consolation amidst the defeat.

The Falcons morale level at present is at an all-time low as they are engulfed in a three-match losing streak in the league and have not had a stroke of luck either in eight matches across all competitions where four losses and four draws have been recorded, making this clash another hurdle that could see their woes exacerbated.

They are presently anchored to the bottom of the table in 20th place within the relegation zone with no points to their name and are two points behind safety.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Sen; M'Bakata, Djilobodji, Ersoy, Khacef; Soyalp, Jevtovic, Bikel; Maxim, Riascos, Eskihellac.

Galatasaray

Gala secured themselves a place in the group stages of the prestigious UEFA Champions League competition for the first time since 2019 at the expense of Norwegian side Molde after winning 2-1 at home in the second leg of the third qualifying round courtesy of goals from Mauro Icardi, on loan from RB Leipzig, and former Manchester City left-back Angelino's late winner, with the aggregate reading 5-3. In the first leg, they secured a narrow 3-2 victory over the Norwegian side on the road.

In the Turkish Super Lig, they made sure to secure a comfortable 2-0 win over Trabzonspor at home thanks to Mauro Icardi's brace. This followed their less than ideal start in their season opener, as they couldn't break down Kayserispor's defense in a bid for a favorable outcome and settled for a goalless draw on the road to snare the spoils.

Under the guidance of Okan Buruk, Gala have avoided defeat in their eight competitive matches, claiming six wins and two draws—a run that sees them surging with momentum as they seek to stretch that unbeaten streak to nine matches. During those matches, their defense shone bright as a lighthouse on a rocky shore, keeping five clean sheets in the process.

They presently occupy 8th place with 4 points, a not-so-convincing start to their title defense, though the season is still in its early stages as they find themselves two points behind Fenerbahce, who are the current league leaders.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Bardakci, Angeliño; Oliveira, Torreira;  Aktürkoglu,  Mertens, Yilmaz; Icardi.

Match Facts

• Gaziantep have won only one of their last four home matches against Galatasaray.
• Galatasaray have kept only two clean sheets in their last four away matches against Gaziantep.
• Gaziantep averages 0.2 goals per game when playing at home, and Galatasaray averages 2 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last nine meetings, Gaziantep has won once, Galatasaray has won six times, and there have been two draws, with the goal difference being 20-11 in favor of Galatasaray.

Expert Betting Tips

Gaziantep have failed to win any of their three opening matches in the Turkish Super League, suffering defeats in those matches against Sivasspor, Fenerbahce and Konyaspor. Their shot at redemption will have to be put on hold once again as they take on another quality opposition that has made life difficult for them in their past meetings, winning just one of their nine matches, a 3-1 home win that dates back to the year 2022 in March. And with their poor start to the season in question, a convincing defeat is imminent when the full-time whistle blows.

Galatasaray are a class above their opponents in this impending clash, and their victory is not one to be second-guessed as they are riding a wave of momentum that shows no signs of slowing down. Therefore, we anticipate Gala to win by a margin of at least two goals, as this has been the case in two of their last four away matches against Gaziantep, who have shown defensive vulnerabilities by conceding seven goals in their opening three matches.

• Handicap 2 (-1.5) for 2.18
• Anytime Goalscorer - Mauro Icardi for 1.78
• Corners - Under 11 for 1.83