Galatasaray head to Latvia for a crucial Europa League conflict in opposition to RFS on Thursday, aiming to construct on their robust begin within the competitors.
Fresh off a commanding 3-1 victory over PAOK within the first spherical, the Turkish Süper Lig champions will tackle the Latvian facet at Daugava Stadium in Riga.
Despite beginning the season hoping to compete within the Champions League, Galatasaray fell brief within the playoffs in opposition to Switzerland’s Young Boys.
Forced into the Europa League, the Turkish powerhouse wasted no time making an impression.
They dominated PAOK of their opening group match, climbing to fifth place amongst 13 groups that gained within the first spherical, trailing solely by objective distinction.
The Istanbul-based facet, recent off two consecutive Turkish league titles, has set their sights on European glory.
Manager Okan Buruk’s males will look to proceed their high quality kind on this competitors, however they’ll face RFS with out some key gamers.
With beginning goalkeeper Fernando Muslera suspended after a crimson card within the Champions League playoff, veteran Günay Güvenç is about to fill the void between the posts.
Güvenç, who delivered a stable efficiency in opposition to PAOK, may have the prospect to proceed proving himself on the European stage.
The Lions can even be with out star playmaker Hakim Ziyech, who remains to be recovering from a muscle damage picked up throughout worldwide responsibility with Morocco.
Meanwhile, new signing Roland Sallai, together with younger skills Eyüp Aydın and Gökdeniz Gürpüz, had been left off Galatasaray’s UEFA record, making them unavailable for this fixture.
Mauro Icardi, recent from a run of excellent performances, could lead on the assault rather than Victor Osimhen, who may not be risked because of a latest knock.
Supported by playmakers like Dries Mertens and Lucas Torreira, the crew’s firepower stays formidable.
Fortress beneath strain
RFS, champions of the Latvian Virsliga, face a frightening activity after their 4-1 loss to Romania’s FCSB of their Europa League opener.
The Latvian facet, managed by Viktors Morozs, has carried out nicely domestically, sitting atop their league with 25 wins from 30 video games.
However, they’ve struggled to copy that kind in Europe.
Historically robust at dwelling, RFS have gained two of their final three Europa League fixtures in Riga.
Their protection, nevertheless, will likely be examined in opposition to a Galatasaray facet that has averaged over three objectives per recreation this season.
Morozs is coping with key absences in his squad as nicely.
Defensive midfielder Alfusainey Jatta and ahead Ismael Diomande are sidelined with long-term accidents, whereas winger Emerson Deocleciano stays out for no less than one other week.
Players to observe
For Galatasaray, the concentration is going to shine brightly on Icardi, who has been in high quality kind, and on Güvenç, who should step up as soon as once more in Muslera’s absence.
Additionally, midfield maestros Lucas Torreira and Gabriel Sara may management the sport’s tempo and defend the protection.
On RFS’s facet, their hopes relaxation on their resilient dwelling kind and defensive technique.
Central defenders Herdi Prenga, Daniels Balodis and Ziga Lipuscek are anticipated to be key in resisting Galatasaray’s relentless assault.
Lions’ journey
After their conflict with RFS, the Süper Lig reigning champions will proceed their Europa League marketing campaign in opposition to Swedish facet Elfsborg and English giants Tottenham Hotspur.
Each match may show pivotal as they push for knockout-stage qualification on this revamped competitors.
RFS, in the meantime, might want to bounce again shortly in the event that they hope to maintain their European goals alive, dealing with a steep climb after a tough begin.
Source: www.dailysabah.com