The often unpredictable Turkish Super Lig is back once again this week as we enter the month of February. There’s still a lot left to be determined at both ends of the table, and that much is an understatement with the league being as chaotic as ever. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be another exciting clash as Samsunspor go head to head with Galatasaray.
Samsunspor Form GuideLast season, Samsunspor won the TFF First League title and earned promotion to the Super Lig as a result of that. They’re just about half way through the season right now and although they’ve had more than a few bright moments, it’s clear to see that they need to make improvements. If they don’t, going back down to the second tier feels like a real possibility.
After going behind to Istanbulspor in a tight encounter, Samsunspor had to dig deep. They were able to equalise in the 72nd minute and based on how the game was going, you could argue they’ll be disappointed at only coming away with a 1-1 draw.
Galatasaray Form GuideGalatasaray are the real juggernauts of Turkish football and just about everyone would agree with that. They are the reigning kings of the castle and when you take a look at their squad, it isn’t hard to see why. This is a well-run organisation and while rivals Fenerbahce will push them all the way, you’d have to put them down as the favourites to get the job done once again.
It certainly feels like Galatasaray are welcoming adversity this season. In their home clash with Gaziantep, they went 1-0 down in the 29th minute before proceeding to pepper their opponents with 33 shots on goal. Eventually, thanks to strikes in the 72nd and 89th minute, they got the 2-1 win they wanted.
Match PredictionWe don’t quite think ‘hit and hope’ is the route forward for Samsunspor here, but in equal measure, they need to show the visitors something if they want to earn their respect. It’s going to be a gritty game, but our prediction is going to be a Galatasaray win.
