RFS vs Galatasaray Prediction - Europa League

A thrilling Europa League clash awaits as RFS host Galatasaray at the Daugava Stadium on 3 October 2024 at 17:45. Both teams are looking to make an impact in the second round of the group stage. Galatasaray, the reigning Turkish champions, are in fine form and currently sit at the top of the Turkish league. They secured a commanding 3-1 win over PAOK in their first group stage match and have an impressive offensive record, scoring 22 goals in their last six matches.

Our match tips suggest a high-scoring encounter; betting on over 3.5 goals could be profitable given both teams’ recent offensive performances. Expect Galatasaray, the bookmakers’ favourites, to come out on top in this key fixture.

RFS vs. Galatasaray Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the recent performances and offensive capabilities of both teams, our recommended betting tip for this match is to bet on Over 3.5 goals.

Why Over 3.5 goals?

The match tips and match facts suggest a high probability of a high-scoring game. Both teams have been prolific in front of goal, with Galatasaray averaging 3.4 goals in their last five matches and RFS averaging 2.2. With key players such as Mauro Icardi and Yunus Akgün firing on all cylinders, the likelihood of a goal fest is high.

• Prolific Attackers: Both RFS and Galatasaray have shown attacking prowess, with multiple games scoring over 3 goals.
• Recent Form: Galatasaray scored 5 against Rizespor and RFS netted 4 against BFC Daugavpils recently, further supporting a high-scoring prediction.
• Tactical Line-ups: The expected formations and line-ups suggest both teams will adopt offensive strategies, contributing to a high-scoring encounter.

Expect an exciting, goal-filled affair at the Daugava Stadium!

RFS vs Galatasaray Odds

Let’s delve into the betting odds for this intriguing Europa League encounter between RFS and Galatasaray.

Galatasaray, as the bookmaker’s favorite, is coming into this match with shorter odds, given their b form and higher competition rank.

Breaking it down:

• RFS: With odds of 9.15, a bet on the home team’s victory implies a significant underdog status.
• Draw: At 5.49, the chances of a stalemate are moderately higher but still less favored.
• Galatasaray: Favored heavily at 1.31, illustrating the high confidence in their ability to secure an away win.

Given these odds, a wager on Galatasaray appears the safest bet, but higher returns could be found in backing a draw or a surprise RFS victory.

RFS Team Analysis

RFS has been in fine form recently, winning four of their last five matches. They demonstrated their attacking prowess by scoring multiple goals in most games and maintaining clean sheets in two.

In these games, RFS has averaged 2.20 goals per match and kept clean sheets twice. Despite their b domestic form, they’ll look to bounce back from their tough Europa League opener (a 4-1 defeat to Steaua Bucharest). Coach Viktors Morozs will be keen to leverage their recent momentum and home advantage.

RFS Key Players

RFS will be looking to their top scorer, Ziga Lipuscek, who has netted one goal in this season’s tournament, to lead their attack against a formidable Galatasaray defense. In their defensive line, experienced players like Herdi Prenga and Daniels Balodis will be crucial in their attempts to stymie Galatasaray’s powerful forward duo of Mauro Icardi and Michy Batshuayi.

Expected lineup for RFS:

• Goalkeeper: Fabrice Ondoa
• Defenders: Roberts Savalnieks, Herdi Prenga, Daniels Balodis, Ziga Lipuscek
• Midfielders: Adam Markhiyev, Stefan Panic, Lasha Odisharia, Dmitrijs Zelenkovs, Jānis Ikaunieks
• Forward: Cedric Kouadio

Key individual battles to watch include Lipuscek against Galatasaray’s central backs and the midfield contest between Stefan Panic and Gabriel Sara.

RFS Suspensions & Injuries

RFS are dealing with a number of injuries that could affect their performance against Galatasaray. Notably, Ismael Diomande remains sidelined with a ligament injury, impacting their midfield stability. Emerson Deocleciano is doubtful with a leg injury, while Alfusainey Jatta and Martins Kigurs are also unavailable.

RFS Tactics and Formation

RFS Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1
• Goalkeeper: Fabrice Ondoa
• Defensive Quartet: Right back – Roberts Savalnieks, central backs – Daniels Balodis and Herdi Prenga, left back – Ziga Lipuscek
• Midfield Pivot: Defensive midfielders – Adam Markhiyev and Stefan Panic
• Advanced Midfield: Right wing – Lasha Odisharia, attacking midfielder – Jānis Ikaunieks, left wing – Dmitrijs Zelenkovs
• Key Forward: Cedric Kouadio Defensive Strength:
• Two clean sheets in the last five games underline their defensive solidity. Strategic Focus:
• RFS are likely to focus on maintaining a compact shape and leveraging their wings for counter-attacks, particularly focusing on Ikaunieks’ creative playmaking ability to open up Galatasaray’s defense.

Galatasaray Team Analysis

Galatasaray has been on a brilliant run of form recently, securing four wins and one draw in their last five matches. This impressive streak underscores their b offensive capabilities, averaging 3.40 goals per game. Despite the absence of some key players due to injuries and suspensions, they have managed to maintain a stout defense, achieving one clean sheet in these fixtures.

They head into this encounter with confidence, looking to leverage their b performance levels to secure another victory in the Europa League.

Galatasaray Key Players

Expected lineup for Galatasaray:

• Goalkeeper: Günay Güvenc
• Defenders: Elias Jelert, Victor Nelsson, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ismail Jakobs
• Midfielders: Baris Yilmaz, Kerem Demirbay, Gabriel Sara, Yunus Akgün
• Attackers: Michy Batshuayi, Mauro Icardi

Galatasaray’s powerhouse striker Mauro Icardi, who has scored 1 goal in the Europa League so far, will be crucial up top. He’s known for his predatory instincts in the box. Complementing him will be Michy Batshuayi, whose pace and finishing ability are threats to any defense.

Key midfielders Gabriel Sara and Kerem Demirbay will look to dominate the midfield, feeding the ball to Icardi and Batshuayi.

Defensively, Victor Nelsson and Abdulkerim Bardakci have formed a solid partnership, aiming to keep RFS at bay.

With this balanced lineup, Galatasaray is well-equipped to battle RFS for control of the match.

Galatasaray Suspensions & Injuries

Galatasaray will be missing several key players due to suspensions and injuries, which could impact their performance against RFS.

Suspensions

Injuries

The absence of Victor Osimhen could reduce Galatasaray’s attacking options. However, with the likes of Mauro Icardi and Michy Batshuayi up front, the team retains substantial firepower. These absences will test the squad’s depth and resilience as they face RFS.

Galatasaray Tactics and Formation

Galatasaray’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: Mauro Icardi and Michy Batshuayi
• Midfield Quartet: Baris Yilmaz, Kerem Demirbay, Gabriel Sara, Yunus Akgün
• Defensive Line: Elias Jelert, Victor Nelsson, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ismail Jakobs
• Goalkeeper: Günay Güvenc

The squad’s attacking potency lies primarily in their forward duo, Icardi and Batshuayi, who bring flair and finishing skills. With Muslera suspended, Günay Güvenc will hold the fort at the back. Victor Nelsson and Abdulkerim Bardakci anchor the defense, exhibiting composure and solidity. Midfielders Kerem Demirbay and Gabriel Sara are pivotal in transition play, creating a balanced attacking and defensive setup. Galatasaray’s notable strategy involves high pressing and quick counter-attacks, often catching defenses off guard, especially in the latter stages of the first half.

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