Galatasaray vs Rizespor Predictions

Galatasaray were victorious in the Turkish Cup in midweek against Keçiörengücü, but Saturday’s opponents Rizespor were knocked-out at home by Balıkesirspor. Galatasaray turn their attention back to the Super Lig this weekend and will be aiming to return to winning ways following a disappointing 1-0 defeat against rivals Beşiktaş. Rizespor sit bottom of the table despite earning a point against Ankaragücü last time out, and their poor record against Galatasaray won’t fill the visitors with confidence heading into Saturday’s match.

A heated match between local rivals Beşiktaş and Galatasaray saw both teams have four players booked in the ninety minutes, but at least all twenty-men stayed on the pitch. Galatasaray had 52% of the overall possession, but only managed two shots on target in what was a disappointing attacking display from the visitors. The hosts had twelve shots in the match, six of which went on target, but it was an eighteenth minute penalty from Ljajić that decided the destination of all three points.

Beşiktaş just did enough to win the game, but a draw may have been the fairest result. That result leaves Galatasaray fourth in the Super Lig table, six points off the top spot and means the hosts cannot afford to drop points this weekend. On-loan Everton forward Onyekuru and Swiss international Derdiyok joint top score for Galatasaray with four league goals each so far this season. Muriqi has scored four times in the Super Lig for Rizespor making him the visitors top scorer this season, and the Kosovo striker has netted three in his last six appearances for the club.

Rizespor went behind at home to a twentieth minute strike from El Kabir, and Ankaragücü held their lead into the half time break. The hosts made a substitution at half time and that helped them control the second half and saw Rizespor end the game with 60% of the overall possession. In the sixty-sixth minute Umar levelled for the hosts and from that point on it only looked like one team would go on to win the game. With ten minutes left on the clock the hosts were awarded a penalty kick and a chance to win the game, but Brazilian number ten Rick Boldrin fluffed his lines and the game ended 1-1.

Galatasaray aren’t in top form, but they still head into this weekends game as the form favourites with two wins, one draw, and three defeats from their last six matches. Rizespor have won one of their last six matches, but their last five games have produced three defeats and two draws, and that’s why they sit bottom of the table and aren’t being backed by the bookmakers to take anything from their trip to the Türk Telekom Stadyumu.

We’re confident that Galatasaray will win and that under 2.5 goals will be scored in the process, with the scoreline ending 2-0. Galatasaray are unbeaten in their last five matches against Rizespor, picking up two wins, and four of the last five matches between the pair have produced under 2.5 goals. Four of Galatasaray’s and four of Rizespor’s last six matches have produced under 2.5 goals, and that’s why we’re not expecting many goals on Saturday.