Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray head to Eleda Stadion on Thursday with sights firmly set on extending their Europa League unbeaten streak in opposition to Malmo, a aspect struggling to copy home dominance on the continental stage.
Galatasaray’s marketing campaign has been nothing in need of spectacular.
A dramatic 3-2 victory over Sivasspor on Sunday propelled them to the summit of the Turkish Süper Lig, six factors away from archrivals Fenerbahçe.
Goals from Yunus Akgün, Victor Osimhen, and Bariş Yılmaz highlighted the depth and high quality of Okan Buruk’s aspect.
In the Europa League, Galatasaray stay one among seven unbeaten groups within the 36-club League Phase.
They at the moment sit fourth, two factors shy of leaders Lazio and one forward of Tottenham Hotspur.
However, their final outing, a 1-1 draw with AZ Alkmaar, left followers eager for a decisive push towards the knockout rounds.
Key gamers and challenges
Victor Osimhen, a summer season mortgage acquisition from Napoli, has been a revelation, with 10 objectives in 13 matches.
Yet accidents have thinned the Lions’ attacking choices.
Superstar, Mauro Icardi, who began the season brightly, is sidelined with a cruciate ligament damage.
Rising star Bariş Yılmaz can also be out till the New Year with a thigh pressure, leaving Michy Batshuayi as a probable candidate to steer the road.
Malmo’s European struggles
While Malmo dominate domestically – successful 4 of the final 5 Allsvenskan titles – their European type has been dismal.
Despite clinching the Swedish crown with an 11-point cushion, their Europa League marketing campaign has faltered.
With only one win in 5 matches, Di Blae are teetering on the sting of elimination.
A 2-1 victory over Qarabag in October stays their lone spotlight.
Since then, three consecutive defeats to Olympiacos, Beşiktaş, and Ferencvaros by a mixed rating of 7-2 underscore their struggles.
A penalty from Erik Botheim supplied fleeting hope of their final match, however Ferencvaros ran riot in a 4-1 drubbing.
Malmo shall be with out key gamers for Thursday’s conflict.
Isaac Kiese Thelin, who scored 15 objectives within the Allsvenskan, shoulders the attacking burden.
However, accidents to Pontus Jansson and Sead Haksabanovic depart Malmo missing expertise and firepower.
For Galatasaray, the match is a chance to cement their standing as Europa League contenders and proceed their outstanding unbeaten run.
For Malmo, it’s an opportunity to salvage delight and maintain their slim European hopes alive.
Source: www.dailysabah.com