Preview:Kayserispor vs Galatasaray - prediction, team news, lineups

Kayserispor will look to be the first side to halt what has been a perfect start for defending champions Galatasaray in the 2025-26 Turkish Super Lig season when both teams meet on Sunday.

The 25-time champions have opened their title defence in commanding fashion, with back-to-back victories, and will aim to extend their flawless streak.

Match preview

Galatasaray began the campaign in dominant fashion, recording 3-0 wins over Gaziantep and Fatih Karagumruk, immediately underlining their ambition to clinch a fourth successive Super Lig crown.

Baris Yilmaz has been the standout performer so far, scoring three goals across the opening two games, but the return of long-term absentee Mauro Icardi – who netted on his comeback against Fatih – coupled with Victor Osimhen’s recovery to feature, will have delighted head coach Okan Buruk.

Cimbom remain one of only five sides yet to concede this season, while their six goals place them among the league’s sharpest attacks, setting them early as pacesetters.

After losing just once last season and previously reaching the 100-point mark in 2023-24, Buruk’s men may quietly set their sights on an invincible campaign.

Their next challenge comes against Kayserispor, a side Galatasaray have beaten in four of their last five meetings, including the last three.

The Anatolian Star’s most recent win in this fixture came in 2022, also at the Kayseri Stadium, but they have since conceded at least three goals in three of the last five encounters.

Markus Gisdol’s men earned a 1-1 draw against Istanbul Basaksehir last time out, their only league outing so far after the Besiktas opener was postponed.

With survival again a key priority following last season’s relegation battle, Kayserispor must quickly turn draws into wins if they are to avoid another struggle.

There is, however, optimism to draw from their recent home form, with the Anatolian Star unbeaten in their last nine matches at Kayseri Stadium, a run that included seven victories and two draws.

Kayserispor Turkish Super Lig form:

Kayserispor form (all competitions):

Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig form:

Galatasaray form (all competitions):

Team News

Both sides head into the fixture with full squads available, leaving both managers spoiled for choice.

Miguel Cardoso, who opened Kayserispor’s account last week, will be their main threat alongside Aaron Opoku in attack.

For Galatasaray, Buruk faces a welcome selection dilemma, with him having to make a decision to either continue with the in-form Yilmaz as his focal point, or unleash star forwards Icardi and Osimhen.

New signing Leroy Sane, yet to open his account, is expected to retain his place in the starting XI.

Kayserispor possible starting lineup:

Bayazit; Sazdagi, Hosseini, Denswil, Carole; Ackah, Jung; Mane, Mendes, Cardoso; Opoku

Galatasaray possible starting lineup:

Guvenc; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Emali; Torreira, Lemina; Sane, Sara, Akgun; Yilmaz

We say: Kayserispor 0-2 Galatasaray

Galatasaray will enter this clash as favourites, despite Kayserispor likely setting up to frustrate the champions with a compact setup, while relying on quick counters to create danger.

Still, the visitors’ superior quality and depth, particularly in attack, should give them the edge, with Buruk’s men expected to secure victory.

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