Sporting have found their rhythm, while the visitors remain vulnerable in Europe: Sporting vs Galatasaray prediction
The opening-round Champions League match between Sporting and Galatasaray will take place on 9 September at the José Alvalade Stadium. Both teams are still unbeaten this season, but the Portuguese side head into their European opener on a four-match winning streak.
Sporting: four consecutive wins and a reliable defence
Rui Borges's side began the league campaign with a 2-2 draw against Estrela Amadora before winning four matches in a row. Sporting have scored at least twice in each of those games and most recently beat Rio Ave 4-0 and Nacional 2-0.
Luis Suárez deserves special mention, having already scored four league goals. Young Flávio Gonçalves has also made a strong start to the season, with three goals in the Primeira Liga.
Galatasaray: strong start, but difficult European away trips
Galatasaray also remain unbeaten and have won three consecutive matches ahead of their trip to Lisbon. However, the Turkish club's European away record is far less impressive, with just one victory in their last 15 away matches and 13 defeats.
Victor Osimhen's potential absence could be another problem. The striker has scored six goals in the opening four league rounds, accounting for half of the team's goals during that spell.
Probable line-ups
- Sporting: Silva, Fresneda, Debast, Inácio, Araújo, Al-Tamimi, Diomande, Catamo, Salazar, Gonçalves, Suárez.
- Galatasaray: Çakır, Sallai, Sánchez, Bardakcı, Jakobs, Sara, Torreira, Sané, Batrakov, Akgün, Yılmaz.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Sporting have won their last four competitive matches.
- The Portuguese side have kept clean sheets in their last two matches.
- Galatasaray have lost 13 of their last 15 away matches in European competition.
Home advantage and form make the hosts favourites: Sporting vs Galatasaray prediction
Galatasaray are capable of causing problems through their individual quality, but Osimhen's possible absence significantly reduces the visitors' attacking threat. Given their poor away record in Europe, that could be particularly important.
Sporting currently look more assured in both phases of the game and head into the match after two consecutive clean-sheet victories. At home, the Lisbon side look strong enough to begin their Champions League campaign with three points.
