Galatasaray vs RFS: Expected lineups, key stats, form in Europa League match

Galatasaray faces RFS in their second Europa League group stage match at the Daugava Stadium in Riga on October 3, 2024.

Fresh off a solid 3-1 win over PAOK in their opener, the Turkish giants are ready to continue their winning form with a victory in the Galatasaray vs RFS match.

Galatasaray’s recent form, lineup expectations for RFS match

Galatasaray enters this match with strong momentum, having won six of their last seven Super Lig matches. Their Europa League journey started with a comfortable 3-1 victory over PAOK, placing them in fifth position, behind only by goal difference.

• Scoring strength: The team has been scoring prolifically, with Mauro Icardi and Dries Mertens leading the way. The absence of Victor Osimhen due to injury might push Icardi to spearhead the attack.
• Muslera’s suspension: Veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera continues to serve his three-match suspension after his red card during the Champions League playoff against Young Boys. Gunay Guvenc will continue between the posts.
• Key injuries: Galatasaray also faces the absence of Hakim Ziyech, who remains out with a muscle injury, while Eyup Aydın, Gokdeniz Gurpuz, and Roland Sallai are not on the UEFA list for this game.

Tactical approach, players to watch in Galatasaray vs RFS match

Manager Okan Buruk has emphasized the importance of starting strong and securing an early goal to ease the pressure. In pre-match talks, Buruk stated the need for focus and an early lead to avoid unnecessary stress.

• Mauro Icardi: The Argentine forward is expected to lead the attack. Icardi already has three goals in eight matches this season and will be keen to add to his tally against RFS, especially in Osimhen’s absence.
• Lucas Torreira and Gabriel Sara: The midfield duo is expected to dictate the tempo of the game and protect the defense, with Torreira playing a key role as a shield in front of the backline.

RFS’s struggles, what to expect

RFS faces an uphill battle. After suffering a 4-1 defeat against Romanian side FCSB in their first Europa League group-stage match, the Latvian champions must improve to have a chance against Galatasaray.

• Defensive Woes: RFS has conceded 19 goals in 30 domestic league matches this season, though they sit atop their league table. However, they will be tested by Galatasaray’s high-powered offense.
• Key Absences: Defensive midfielder Alfusainey Jatta and forward Ismael Diomande are out because of long-term injuries, while Emerson Deocleciano also remains sidelined. These absences will further weaken their squad.

Galatasaray vs RFS match predictions

• Head-to-head: This match marks the first-ever encounter between Galatasaray and RFS. The Turkish side remains the favorite, given their recent form and attacking prowess.
• Tactical Outlook: Galatasaray is expected to dominate possession and attack from the outset, with RFS likely setting up defensively to counter. However, the Latvian side will need a miraculous performance to secure points.

The result of the Galatasaray vs RFS match will be crucial for Galatasaray as they aim to continue their push toward the knockout stages of the Europa League.

A win will further solidify their place among the top contenders in the group.

Key Galatasaray vs RFS match details:

• Kick-off: October 3, 2024, at 18:45 (CET), Daugava Stadium, Riga
• Galatasaray’s Expected Lineup: Günay; Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakcı, Jakobs; Torreira, Sara; Yılmaz, Mertens, Akgün; Icardi.
• RFS’s Expected Lineup: Ondoa; Savalnieks, Prenga, Balodis, Lipuscek, Odisharia; Marhiev, Panic, Zelenkovs; Ikaunieks, Kouadio.

What to expect from Galatasaray vs RFS match

Galatasaray looks poised to secure another comfortable win, especially with their current form and firepower.

RFS will need to rely on their home support and defensive organization to hold off the attacking threats posed by Icardi, Mertens and others.