After a thrilling first leg in Switzerland, Galatasaray and Young Boys will meet again in Istanbul to decide who progresses to the Champions League group stage. Young Boys hold a slim advantage after winning 3-2 in the first leg, but Galatasaray will be looking to overturn the deficit on their home turf.
Match Preview
Galatasaray
Galatasaray Recent Form
Galatasaray narrowly lost the first leg in Switzerland 3-2 after a dramatic late penalty for Young Boys.
The Turkish side has had mixed results lately, suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Besiktas in the Turkish Super Cup but bouncing back with wins against Hatayspor and Konyaspor in the league.
Despite their recent European struggles, losing their last four away matches, they have been strong at home and will be aiming to turn the tie around in Istanbul.
Galatasaray Injury News
Galatasaray will be without Abdulkerim Bardakci, who is suspended following his red card in the first leg.
Key players are also doubtful due to injuries: first-choice goalkeeper Fernando Muslera came off injured in the last game and may be replaced by Gunay Guvenc.
Davinson Sanchez is sidelined with an injury, and experienced winger Wilfried Zaha is also unavailable. However, Kaan Ayhan returns from suspension and could bolster the defense.
Young Boys
Young Boys Recent Form
Young Boys come into this match with a slight advantage after their 3-2 victory at home, but their form has been inconsistent.
They have struggled domestically, failing to win any of their first five Swiss Super League matches, which includes three defeats and two draws.
Defensively, they have been vulnerable, conceding 15 goals across competitions this season.
Nevertheless, their performance against Galatasaray in the first leg shows they can still pose a threat.
Young Boys Injury News
Young Boys are dealing with a few injuries as well. Goalkeeper David Von Ballmoos had to be substituted in the first leg due to an injury, meaning Marcel Keller may start again.
Facinet Conte and Saidy Janko are both unavailable due to injuries, while Kastriot Imeri has recovered from an ankle issue and could feature in the midfield.
Players To Watch
Galatasaray Player To Watch
Mauro Icardi – The Argentine striker, who has already scored 32 goals across all competitions last season, will be crucial for Galatasaray's attacking hopes.
His finishing and experience in big games will be key as they look to overturn their first-leg deficit.
Young Boys Player To Watch
Filip Ugrinic – Scorer of the decisive penalty in the first leg, Ugrinic has been a pivotal player for Young Boys.
His ability to drive forward from midfield and his composure in front of goal make him a significant threat to Galatasaray's defence.
Prediction
With both teams displaying defensive frailties in the first leg and having key players out injured, this match could see plenty of goalmouth action again.
Galatasaray, strong at home, might just edge it 2-1, leading to a 4-4 draw on aggregate.
This scenario could push the match into extra time and potentially a penalty shootout, where Galatasaray could narrowly clinch the tie.
Galatasaray-sk-bsc-young-boys/preview/3481089">For all of the analysis of Galatasaray vs Young Boys as it happens live, check out our Live Update page for the game.