Galatasaray's probable starting XI and squad planning for the Sporting CP match
As the yellow-red team prepares to face Sporting CP away in the UEFA Champions League, head coach Okan Buruk is shaping the probable squad to fill the gaps left by missing players.
With Galatasaray visiting Sporting CP away in the UEFA Champions League, head coach Okan Buruk is preparing to make mandatory and strategic changes to the starting XI due to significant absences.
Critical Absences and the Forward Line
In the absence of Victor Osimhen and Mario Lemina for the away match against Sporting CP, the yellow-red team's head coach Okan Buruk is changing his plans for the attacking line. Barış Alper Yılmaz is expected to start in place of Osimhen, who was injured in the latest league match.
Searches in the Defense Line
Mandatory changes are also on the agenda for the team's defensive structure. The coaching staff is expected to give Abdülkerim Bardakcı a chance in the starting XI, while new transfer El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Ismail Jakobs, considered as a center-back alternative, are also among the names being evaluated.
A Meaningful Match for Rafael Leao
This match holds special significance for Rafael Leao, who joined Galatasaray's squad during the summer transfer window. Starting his football career in Sporting's youth academy, the Portuguese star will face his former team for the first time in his career after transferring to Lille in 2018.
European Away Record
Galatasaray's recent performance in European away matches stands out among notable statistics. Cimbom has won only one of its last 6 away matches in Europe, leaving all other fixtures with defeats except for the 3-0 victory against Ajax.
Targeting Points in Lisbon
Okan Buruk's students aim to change the negative away match record from previous games by returning from the Portugal trip with at least one point. The team continues its preparations in this direction.
Probable Starting XI Setup
The probable starting XI that head coach Okan Buruk is expected to field in the match in Lisbon consists of Uğurcan, Sallai, Sanchez, Abdülkerim, Jakobs, Torreira, Sara, Batrakov, Sane, Yunus, and Barış Alper.