Galatasaray vs PAOK Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | UEFA Europa League 2024-25

Turkish giants Galatasaray will lock horns with PAOK Saloniki in their Europa League opener.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the Europa League will kick start with a thrilling encounter between Greek powerhouse PAOK Saloniki and Turkish superpower Galatasaray. The Rams Park in Istanbul will serve as the venue for the game, which should be an entertaining battle between two sides with strong European heritage.

Both teams come into the competition in strong form; Galatasaray are coming off a confidence-boosting victory against Fenerbahce in the Istanbul derby, while PAOK Saloniki easily defeated Volos NPS in their last outing. Both teams will be keen to get off to a strong start in the Europa League.

Kick-off

26 September: Thursday, 12:30 a.m. IST

Location: RAMS Park

Form

Galatasaray: L-L-W-W-W-W-W

PAOK: W-W-W-W-D-W

Players to watch

Galatasaray: Dries Mertens

In the initial phase of the new season, Dries Mertens has been one of Galatasaray’s most impressive players, thus he might be someone to watch out for. The forward has been in sensational touch for the Turkish giants and will be hoping to continue his scoring form when they face PAOK in the Europa League.

PAOK: Taison

Taison has drawn attention lately as he has scored in four of his last seven games. It won’t be a surprise if the forward manages to once again find the back of the net. One of the team’s best players, he can make something out of nothing thanks to his quick feet and ability to connect with teammates. Taison will be ready to test the Turkish team’s defence.

Match facts

• Galatasaray have scored over 3.5 goals in their last two matches.
• Victor Osimhen has yet to score a goal for the Turkish side.

Betting and odd tips

• Tip 1: Galatasaray to win this game.
• Tip 2: Victor Osimhen to score.
• Tip 3: Dries Mertens to score as well.

Players and injury news

Fernando Muslera is on a three-match suspension and will not feature for Galatasaray. For the Turks, Gunay Guvenc should start in goal, and Victor Osimhen will probably start in attack with Mertens and Baris Yilmaz.

Having come off the bench over the weekend, Fedor Chalov might start in attack for PAOK instead of Tarik Tissoudali. Tomasz Kedziora ought to stay in defence, and Taison is also anticipated to be in the starting XI.

Head-to-head

There has been no previous meeting between the two teams.

Predicted lineup

Galatasaray: 4-2-3-1

Muslera; Ahyan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Sara; Akgun, Mertens, Yilmaz; Osimhen

PAOK: 4-2-3-1

Kotarski; Sastre, Kedziora, Colley, Baba; Kamara, Schwab; Despodov, Murg, Taison; Chalov

Prediction

Galatasaray should, in our opinion, control possession and generate multiple good opportunities. On the other hand, PAOK will struggle to keep hold of the ball but they still might find an opportunity to get the ball into the back of the net. We predict that Galatasaray will win the game with a fairly comfortable score.

Prediction: Galatasaray 3-1 PAOK

Live telecast

India – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

UK –TNT Sports

US –  fubo TV, Paramount+

Nigeria – DStv Now

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