Galatasaray to play with 2 forwards in crucial Young Boys rematch
Michy Batshuayi of Galatasaray scores his second goal during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Leg 1 of 2 match Young Boys vs Galatasaray at Wankdorf Stadium in Bern , Switzerland on August 21, 2024 (AA Photo)
After a 3-2 loss to Young Boys in the first leg of the Champions League playoff round in Switzerland, Galatasaray needs a two-goal victory to advance. The team is preparing to make tactical changes, including playing with two forwards in Tuesday’s match.
Ahead of this crucial encounter, coach Okan Buruk is finalizing his strategy and lineup. It is expected that Buruk will deploy Galatasaray in a two-forward formation against Young Boys.
Buruk is considering benching Dries Mertens, who is not yet at his peak physically and has tested Mauro Icardi and Michy Batshuayi together during training
Additionally, Buruk plans to move Baris Alper Yilmaz from the right wing to the right back, allowing Hakim Ziyech to start in the right-wing position.
In defense, Kaan Ayhan is expected to replace Abdulkerim Bardakci, who received a red card in the first match.
Despite an injury scare in the first match, goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has been declared fit and will play against Young Boys.
The second leg of Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League playoff against Switzerland’s Young Boys will be officiated by Norwegian referee Espen Eskas. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 10 p.m. at RAMS Park.
Probable lineup
Galatasaray is expected to start with Fernando Muslera in goal, with Victor Nellson and Kaan Ayhan in central defense. Derrick Kohn is likely to play as left back, while Baris Alper Yilmaz will fill in at right back. Gabriel Sara and Lucas Torreira are expected to control the central midfield. Hakim Ziyech is set to play on the right wing, with Kerem Akturkoglu on the left. Up front, Argentine star Mauro Icardi and Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi are expected to lead the attack.
