Winning on matchday one, group leaders Galatasaray travel to face second-place FC Porto. A competitive game on paper, this matchup will be played in an intense atmosphere, with both sides hoping to top the group heading into matchday three. After a convincing 3-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow, Galatasaray head into Wednesday’s game full of confidence, knowing they’re capable of coming away with all three points. Porto, on the other hand, enter as favourites, with home-field advantage expected to play a big role.
FC Porto Face Tough Opposition as They Host Galatasaray
The match will kick off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday 3rd October at the Estádio do Dragão.
Team News
A squad headlined by Iker Casillas and Yacine Brahimi, Porto come in with three players missing. Without defender Chancel Mbemba, the team will likely start youngster Éder Militão, with the 20-year-old recently stepping up and playing in the league. Manager Sérgio Conceição does have other options with Nigerian centre-back Chidozie Awaziem also available to start. In midfield, Porto are without Dutch youngster Riechedly Bazoer for Wednesday’s game. However, the team’s biggest loss will be up front. Star striker Vincent Aboubakar ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Friday’s win over Tondela.
Despite winning on matchday one, Galatasaray were reduced to ten men against Lokomotiv Moscow, meaning midfielder Badou Ndiaye is unavailable. Manager Fatih Terim is also without attacking midfielder Emre Akbaba, who is out with a long-term injury. Key players Fernando Muslera and Younès Belhanda are available for Wednesday’s game, with on-loan winger Henry Onyekuru also hoping to feature.
Galatasaray Can Take Control of Group D
After their convincing 3-0 victory on matchday one, Galatasaray have an opportunity to take control of Group D. Beating Porto away from home would give them six points in two games, leaving them in a good position. However, Porto will be a tough opponent, hoping to use the atmosphere in the Dragão to their advantage. Galatasaray are used to playing in an intense environment, but the Dragão always plays a role.
A win on Wednesday could set Galatasaray up for a place in the knockout stages. Hosting German strugglers Schalke on matchday three, securing all three points on Wednesday could be crucial. Drawn into the group of death, Galatasaray are a tough team. That toughness could be enough to fight through the most competitive group in this year’s competition.
Predictions
Coming in as favourites, a win for Porto could be pivotal. Currently sitting second in the group, Conceição’s team will look to play their usual possession game. Known for sitting back and absorbing pressure away from home in Europe, Galatasaray will attempt to steal a win on the road. With star striker Aboubakar out injured, Conceição will likely give Adrian Lopez or Jesús Corona a chance to play. Both are capable, but neither can replace Aboubakar’s goalscoring qualities. The injury may even lead to a change of formation by Conceição, something Galatasaray would benefit from. If Porto moves away from their usual two up front, Terim’s defensive style could give them problems going forward.
Expect a feisty, competitive game, with both teams creating their fair share of opportunities, however, a draw is a likely outcome on the night.
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