Galatasaray vs Samsunspor preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

The race for the title is heating up, and Cimbom are looking to rediscover their early-season form which put them at the top.

Galatasaray missed the chance to move four points clear on Monday after conceding a 95th-minute equaliser against Fenerbahce.

Despite staying on top by a single point, they need to rediscover the sharp, confident football that powered their early-season rise.

Victor Osimhen’s absence played a part in their struggles, with Okan Buruk’s side having won just one of their last four league matches, a tight 3-2 win over Genclerbirligi, compared to winning nine of their first 10 fixtures.

Their attack slowed considerably without him, failing to score in three different matches across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Samsunspor arrive unbeaten in 14 matches across all competitions (7W, 7D) and have also avoided defeat in their last 10 league games.

However, they come into this fixture on the back of three straight draws, including a 1-1 home result against Alanyaspor after conceding late.

Thomas Reis’s side sit fifth with 25 points, but a defeat could drop them to sixth by the end of the weekend.

However, they have shown this season that they can rise up to the occasion when playing big sides. The visitors have recorded draws against Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor already this season.

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Galatasaray have dominated this fixture for years, winning the last eight meetings between both sides.

Galatasaray remain without Ismail Jakobs and Wilfried Singo through injury, while Eren Elmali and Metehan Baltaci continue their suspensions due to betting-related sanctions.

Samsunspor are also still without long-term absentees Olivier Ntcham, Ebrima Ceesay, Bedirhan Cetin, Tanguy Coulibaly and Afonso Sousa.

Lubomir Satka is also out injured after returning from international duty. Celil Yuksel is suspended due to the betting scandal, and Joe Mendes misses out after his late red card last time out.

Galatasaray: Cakir; Sanchez, Bardakci, Lemina, Karatas; Torreira, Sara; Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz; Osimhen

Samsunspor: Kocuk; Yavru, Borevkovic, Van Drongelen, Tomasson; Makoumbou; Musaba, Aydin, Holse, Kilinic; Ndiaye

This looks set to be a patient, tactical battle. Galatasaray’s strong home form gives them a slight advantage, though Samsunspor’s organisation could make it tight.

Correct score prediction: Galatasaray 1-0 Samsunspor

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Betting tips:

• Galatasaray to win

• Under 3.5 goals