Galatasaray vs Young Boys: Preview, predictions, team news

Galatasaray faces Young Boys in the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie as the two teams battle for a spot in the biggest tournament in Europe.

Last Wednesday, the reigning Swiss and Turkish champions clashed at Wankdorf Stadium in a chaotic, high-scoring game. The home side came away with a 3-2 victory after Filip Ugrinic scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 86th minute.

Now, the second leg is here, and the team with the most goals across both matches will secure their spot in the 2024/25 Champions League. Young Boys have yet to find a win in their first five league games, but Patrick Rahmen’s squad will have the momentum coming into the all-important fixture, while Galatasaray faces the pressure to score.

Here’s 90min’s guide to Galatasaray vs Young Boys on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Galatasaray vs Young Boys H2H record

Current form (all competitions)

Despite Davinson Sanchez’s injury, Galatasaray’s backline will receive a boost at home with Kaan Ayhan’s return from suspension. Expect the defender to take the place of Abdulkerim Bardakci, who was sent off in the first leg after receiving two yellow cards.

Fernando Muslera came off at halftime after colliding with Joel Monteiro, and remains a doubt for Tuesday’s clash. If the starting keeper is not fully fit, then Gunay Guvenc could get the nod between the posts.

Galatasaray predicted lineup vs Young Boys ( 4-2-3-1 ): Muslera; Jelert, Nelsson, Ayhan, Kohn; Torreira, Sara; Yilmaz, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi

Young Boys will still be without the injured Facinet Conte and Saidy Janko, but Kastriot Imeri was on the bench in the first leg, seemingly recovered from the ligament injury to his left ankle.

David von Ballmoos was forced to come off the pitch in just the 32nd minute against Galatasaray on Wednesday after injuring his shoulder in a collision with Mauro Icardi. Expect Marvin Keller to start in his place should the 29-year-old be unfit for the contest.

Young Boys predicted lineup vs Galatasaray ( 4-4-2 ): Keller; Blum, Camara, Zoukrou, Hadjam; Monteiro, Niasse, Lauper, Colley; Ganvoula, Ugrinic

Despite their poor performance last Wednesday, Galatasaray are poised to bounce back in front of their home crowd. They have not kept a clean sheet in their last 13 matches, though, so Young Boys could force a penalty shootout unless Okan Buruk’s side wins by a margin of two goals or more.

Prediction: Galatasaray 2-1 Young Boys (Galatasaray to win on penalties)

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