Preview: Galatasaray vs. Anderlecht

Many have predicted that Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund will be Group D's top two clubs, meaning that realistically, Galatasaray and Anderlecht will be battling it out for third spot and a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Taking that into consideration, the clash between those two sides in Istanbul on matchday one of the Champions League on Tuesday night appears to be an important one.

The hosting Turks, who are managed by former Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli, are likely to be without defender Semih Kaya because of a calf complaint, but aside from that, they have few injury concerns.

As for the visiting Belgian outfit, their captain and goalkeeper Silvio Proto is suspended for this encounter, as is French defender Fabrice N'Sakala.

There is more positive news where Argentine playmaker Matias Suarez is concerned, though. The 26-year-old was sidelined for a number of months with cruciate ligament damage, but he returned to fitness at the start of the season and should be included in the starting lineup in the Turkish capital.

These teams have been drawn together in UEFA competition once before, but not since the second round of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1972. On that occasion, Anderlecht won both legs 5-1, with former Netherlands international Rob Rensenbrink helping himself to three goals.

Recent form

Galatasaray: DWD

Anderlecht: WWDWDD

Possible starting lineups

Galatasaray: Muslera; Balta, Chedjou, Kaya; Melo, Inan; Sneijder, Sari, Bruma; Yilmaz Bulut

Anderlecht: Roef; Deschacht, Nuytinck, Mbemba, Heylen; Defour, Tielemans; Praet, Acheampong, Suarez; Mitrovic

Sports Mole says: 2-0