Galatasaray will face Sparta Prague on Thursday’s opening leg of their Europa League knockout round playoff, as they will resume their quest for glory after they fail to extend their Champions League trip.
Although Okan Buruk’s team finished third in their Champions League group, the Czech side that played against them finished second in their Europa League group and did not go directly to the round of 16.
| Top 3 markets | Best odds at bookmakers |
| Galatasaray to win: ⚽ | 1.55 at Bet9ja |
| Over 2.5 goals: 🥅 | 1.7 at 1xbet |
| Baris Yilmaz to score anytime: ✅ | 5.60 at Sportybet |
Galatasaray and Sparta Praha: Previous Games
The Europa League elimination playoffs will feature Galatasaray and Sparta Prague. After failing to progress from the Champions League group stage, the Turkish giants have won their previous eight knockout matches. They are confident in their Europa League form, which has only won five games after nine straight home triumphs. Sparta Prague, on the other side, is underdogs after just reaching this round in 2015/16. They have won eight consecutive competitive matches and lost just two Europa League matches.
Probable Galatasaray Lineup
Muslera; Ayhan, Sanchez, Nelsson, Kutlu; Demirbay, Torreira; Yilmaz, Mertens, Zaha; Icardi
Probable Sparta Praha Lineup
Vindahl; Vitik, Krejci, Panak; Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Zeleny; Karabec, Kuchta, Birmancevic
Betting tips: Galatasaray x Sparta Praha
Check out our predictions of the day for Galatasaray vs. Sparta Praha
Prediction 1: Galatasaray x Sparta Praha / Galatasaray to win
Although both teams’ players feel confident, the visitors may be disadvantaged due to Sparta Prague’s recent return to competitive play after a series of friendlies.
With Galatasaray’s attacking prowess being a common theme in the Champions League, the Lions’ loaded assault (including many players with extensive European experience) should put on a show in the first leg.
Prediction 2: Galatasaray x Sparta Praha / Over 2.5 goals
These two teams will meet while experiencing strong streaks and be optimistic they can triumph. We anticipate an attacking display from both teams as they vie for a first-leg advantage. This match might follow in the footsteps of the two teams’ recent high-scoring clashes. Over 2.5 goals is our prediction for the Galatasaray vs Sparta Prague match.
Prediction 3: Galatasaray x Sparta Praha / Baris Yilmaz to score anytime
Baris Yilmaz is riding high with three goals in his last four appearances for Galatasaray. With Ziyech out with an injury, Yilmaz will start the match without a doubt.