Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen Predictions

• Galatasaray won and conceded home and away to Molde in the last round
• Copenhagen scored 13 goals across six qualifying ties
• The hosts have scored at least twice in five straight games
• Icardi has scored across each of his last seven starts

Galatasaray out to make a statement

The Super Lig saw some big investment this summer, which was kick-started by a Galatasaray side who have put together a solid side with ambitions of impressing in Europe. The Turkish giants have assembled a frontline of mercurial, ageing but technically gifted stars who could excel on their day.

Striker Mauro Icardi is supported by Hakim Ziyech, Dries Mertens and Wilfried Zaha in Istanbul. Behind them is a midfield two which was hounded out of North London is Tanguy Ndombele and Lucas Torreira.

It’s easy to see those player thrilling going forward, but Galatasaray do look a little flimsy defensively, which could hurt them in their group stage opener.

Copenhagen will struggle to compete

Much is being made about the gulf between Copenhagen and the two favourites in this group, with Bayern Munich and Man United expected to dominate. However, Galatasaray are closer to those two than their Danish opponents and they could give the Red Devils a scare on current form.

Galatasaray made it through their final qualifying tie in high-scoring fashion, winning 3-2 at Molde before a 2-1 win in the return leg. They’ve scored at least twice in each of their last five games and given their attacking options they should do so once again.

Mauro Icardi in particular is in fine form, scoring in each of his last seven starts. He’s notched nine goals in that run, while he provided three goals and an assist in qualifying to get Galatasaray to this point.

However, Copenhagen have seen both teams score in three of their last four and they notched 13 goals across six qualifiers to make it this far. Back them to score in a defeat in Istanbul this week.