Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen on and what time does it start? Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen will take place on Wednesday 20th September, 2023 – 17:45 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen on in the UK? Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen in the UK? Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
GALATASARAY
Galatasaray fans have reason to be excited over their return to the Champions League group stage after a three-season absence. Significant investment in the playing squad over the summer has seen them sign a number of familiar faces within European football, many of whom boast plenty of Champions League experience. This should set the Turkish champions up nicely for what’s ahead, although they’ll need to be at their very best in what is a tough Group A.
Whilst they were pushed all the way by Molde in the two-legged play-off qualifier, Galatasaray’s class eventually told. They have since won their following two domestic games, meaning the hosts enter this contest on the back of six straight victories in all competitions. With Bayern Munich and Man Utd also in Group A, three points is of paramount importance here for Galatasaray.
FC COPENHAGEN
Regular group stage participants in the Champions League nowadays, FC Copenhagen would no doubt love to take the next step in terms of their European credentials by reaching the knockout stage. However, the reality is that in a group of such high standard, to finish any higher than fourth-place would be a notable achievement for the champions of Denmark this season.
Like Galatasaray, Copenhagen had to go through the qualifying rounds in order to make it this far, most notably winning on penalties after a thrilling third qualifying round tie with Sparta Prague that ended 3-3 on aggregate. A tense 2-1 aggregate victory across two legs against Rakow Czestochowa of Poland in the play-off round saw them through.
THE TEAM NEWS
GALATASARAY
Okan Buruk has an abundance of riches to choose from within his squad with numerous big-name players pushing for a starting spot. He is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation which has served Galatasaray well so far this season. The excellent recent form of Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu should see him start on the left-hand-side with Dries Mertens, Hakim Ziyech and Tete fighting for the two spots alongside him in attacking midfield with Mauro Icardi up top.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Bardakci, Angelino; Torreira, Demirbay; Ziyech, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
FC COPENHAGEN
After coming on as a substitute against Nordsjaelland this past weekend, striker Andreas Cornelius was forced off again and is likely to miss out entirely here. Else, both left-back Nicolai Boilesen and centre-back Davit Khocholava won’t feature due to their respective knee injuries. After scoring on Saturday, Orri Oskarsson may be asked to lead the line again in Turkey.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Grabara; Jelert, Vavro, Diks, Meling; Claesson, Falk, Goncalves; Bardghji, Oskarsson, Achouri
UNAVAILABLE: Boilesen (Injured), Khocholava (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Cornelius (Fitness)
THE PREDICTION
When taking into account the presence of both Bayern Munich and Man Utd in Group A, the importance of winning here will not be lost on either of these two sides. But it’s hard to look beyond the depth of quality amid Galatasaray’s squad, particularly from an offensive perspective. Form is in their favour, as is home advantage and whilst Copenhagen won’t be easy to break down, Galatasaray should ultimately overwhelm their backline and come away with a crucial three points ahead of their trip to Old Trafford in the second round of group stage fixtures.
TIP: GALATASARAY TO WIN
