Preview: Galatasaray vs. Caykur Rizespor – Prediction, team news, lineups

Galatasaray will host Çaykur Rizespor in the fifth round of the 2024–25 Turkish Süper Lig season at Adams Park on Saturday and will look to continue their winning streak.

The hosts have won all three games of the new league season so far, while the visitors go into this duel after defeats in their last two games.

Game Preview

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Galatasaray continued its winning streak in the Süper Lig, securing the most impressive victory of the season with a 5-1 triumph over Adana Demirspor.

This victory followed earlier 2-1 wins over Hatayspor and Konyaspor, leaving them in second place with nine points, just one point behind leaders and arch-rivals Fenerbahce, who have played a game more.

Galatasaray remained active during the international break. Michy Batshuayi scored a hat trick in the 8-3 friendly win against second division side Erokspor.

The Lions are aiming for their third consecutive title and 25th overall and will be looking to extend their winning streak as long as possible. Their next challenge on home soil is Rizespor.

Although they have won their last four meetings with visitors, Galatasaray's recent home form, with just one win and two defeats in their last three games in all competitions, suggests an upset is possible.

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Caykur Rizespor’s promising start to the 2024–25 Turkish Süper Lig season has been marred by defeats in their last two games.

After a draw against Istanbul Basaksehir and a win against Adana in their opening matches, the Black Sea sparrowhawks suffered a heavy 5-0 home defeat against Fenerbahce and followed this with a 1-0 defeat against Kasimpasa in their last league game.

With only four points from four games and six goals conceded in the last two games in which not a single goal was scored, Rizespor is in twelfth place in the table.

manager Ilhan Palut will be desperate to avoid a third consecutive defeat. It would be their first such run since February, when they lost to Sivasspor, Fenerbahce and Samsunspor in the space of two weeks.

Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig form:

Galatasaray form (all competitions):

Caykur Rizespor Turkish Super Lig form:

Caykur Rizespor form (all competitions):

Team News

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Galatasaray will have to do without last season’s Süper Lig top scorer. Mauro Icardiwho will be out until the end of this month due to a back injury.

However, there are several options to replace him – Batshuayi, who scored a hat-trick before the break, and the high-profile loanee, Victor Osimhenwho could make his debut for the club.

Rizespor must play without a left winger Benhur Keserwho suffered a tendon rupture last month and will be out until November.

Since the team lacks goals, all eyes will be on Ali Sowe and is expected to deliver as he will once again take the lead for the visitors.

Possible starting eleven for Galatasaray:
Muslera; Jelert, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Sara; Yilmaz, Mertens, Ziyech; Osimhen

Possible starting eleven of Caykur Rizespor:
Akkan; Sahin, Mocsi, Alikulov, Hojer; Akintola, Papanikolaou; Varesanovic, Olawoyin, Zeqiri; Sowe

We say: Galatasaray 3-0 Caykur Rizespor

Galatasaray found their form in the last game and increased their attacking options, making them an even stronger favorite ahead of this encounter.

Rizespor have looked uncoordinated and lacking creativity in their last two games, which doesn't bode well against a strong team like Gala. It looks like another resounding win for the hosts.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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