Struggling Swiss champions, Young Boys, will have to battle Turkish champions, Galatasaray for a place in the newly structured UEFA Champions League group stages.
The game happening at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern on Wednesday, August 20, is the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff between the two competition regulars.
Young Boys Aim to Defy Their Early-Season Struggles | Home Win = 4.09
Young Boys, the reigning Swiss Super League champions, have had a shaky start to their domestic campaign. Winless in their first five league games, they currently sit second from the bottom. With three consecutive losses followed by two draws, the team has struggled defensively, conceding 13 goals in five matches.
Despite their poor form, Young Boys have a strong European pedigree, having reached the Champions League group stage in two of the last three seasons. Under pressure, new manager Patrick Rahmen will hope that a resounding 10-0 win in their last cup game can inspire confidence ahead of this pivotal matchup.
Galatasaray Seeks to Capitalize on Swiss Weakness | Away Win = 1.93
Galatasaray, the Turkish Super Lig champions, enter this tie with momentum on their side. After narrowly winning the league with a record 102 points, they aim to return to the Champions League group stage following a disappointing campaign last year.
Although they were thrashed 5-0 by Besiktas in the Turkish Super Cup, Gala have bounced back with two wins in their opening league games. With star striker Mauro Icardi leading the line and already off the mark this season, Galatasaray will look to exploit Young Boys' defensive vulnerabilities.
Key Players & Team News:
Young Boys will be without Facinet Conte and Saidy Janko due to injuries, while Kastriot Imeri is sidelined until September. Manager Patrick Rahmen might rely on in-form striker Silvere Ganvoula to lead the attack, although Cedric Itten, who scored a hat-trick in their last game, also presents a strong option.
Galatasaray have their own selection challenges, with Davinson Sanchez injured and Kaan Ayhan suspended. Summer signing Gabriel Sara is also unavailable due to personal reasons. As a result, Victor Nelsson and Abdulkerim Bardakci are expected to form the central defensive partnership, while Lucas Torreira will anchor the midfield.
Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.88
Young Boys are unbeaten in their last three (3) games in all competitions, drawing two (2-2, 2-2) and winning one, a Schweizer Cup game against FC Printse-Nendaz they won 10-0. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & GG (Yes) = 1.99
Galatasaray have won three (3) of their last five (5) games in all competitions with two (2) of those wins coming in their last two games in the Turkish League (2-1, 1-2). | Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 2.5 = 2.19
In the previous two (2) meetings between Young Boys and Galatasaray, Goal-Goal (GG) has occurred (3-1, 1-1). | Main Market: Over 3.5 = 2.79
This match is set to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams eager to progress to the lucrative group stage of the Champions League.
You can follow and bet on the UEFA Champions League Qualifiers Playoffs game, Young Boys vs. Galatasaray, on MSport here.
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