Galatasaray vs Barcelona Predictions and Betting Tips
With the tie still in the balance, Galatasaray and Barcelona reconvene at the Nef Stadyumu for the second leg of heir Europa League Round of 16 tie. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
Galatasaray's sellar rearguard repelled all of Barcelona's attacks in the first leg as both sides settled for a 0-0 draw. With their home support in effect this Thursday, would we see them take advantage ?
The Catalans set for a hostile atmosphere
Although Galatasaray's result was a team effort, Barcelona loanee Inaki Pena was the star man for the Turkish-based outfit, pulling off a number of saves to keep the tie in the balance. Kerem Arktokoglu was their main attacking outlet in Spain and although he failed to breach the Catalans' goal, he rose to the occasion over the weekend, netting a brace in a 2-1 win against Besiktas. The Nef Stadyumu hasn't been the fortress it was a couple of years ago, however, Galatasaray have won their last two home games and whilst a two-game winning run on home soil doesn't mean they would get a positive result this Thursday, they would head into that game full of confidence.
Barcelona were firmly in control of the first leg, however, similar to their playoff round first leg tie against Napoli, they were wasteful in front of the goal. Fast forward a couple of days, they re-found their shooting boots against as they went on to put four unanswered goals past Osasuna- Ferran Torres, with a brace, Aubameyang and Riqui Puig on the scoresheet. It's now 10 games unbeaten in all competitions for Xavi's crop as they look to consolidate their hold on the top four, maybe even overtake second-placed Sevilla. The UEFA Europa League is the only trophy missing from the Catalans' trophy cabinet and given that it is their only hope for silverware this season, they're sure to head to Turkey guns blazing.
Galatasaray vs Barcelona Team News
Galatasaray possible starting XI:
Pena; Boey, Marcao, Nelsson, Van Aanholt; Antalyali, Kutlu; Kilinc, Feghouli, Akturkoglu; Mohamed
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Garcia, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, De Jong; Traore, Aubameyang, Torres
Galatasaray vs Barcelona Prediction: 1-2
Galatasaray, with a raucous home crowd behind them, should give Barcelona a run for their money this Thursday and although we're backing them to breach Ter Stegen's goal this time around, Barcelona's vast attacking quality should be the difference between both sides.
