The final matchday of the 2023-24 Turkish Super Lig season promises a tense encounter as Konyaspor host Galatasaray at Torku Arena.
Both sides have high stakes in this game - the hosts are battling relegation, while the visitors are on the cusp of lifting the title.
Match preview
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Konyaspor were unable to secure their place in the top flight for next season after a disappointing 2-2 draw with 10-man Kayserispor last Saturday.
Despite Kayserispor's Duckens Nazon receiving a red card, they managed to take the lead through a Carlos Mane penalty. Konyaspor fought back in the second half with goals from Soner Dikmen and Steven N'Zonzi, but Mane's second penalty ensured a share of the spoils.
Konyaspor currently sit 15th in the table with 41 points after 37 matches, level on points with 14th-placed Gaziantep and are precariously placed, just three points above the relegation zone. However, they can still avoid the drop if they win on Sunday, while hoping both Hatayspor and Ankaragucu lose, and Gaziantep fail to win.
Following the sacking of manager Fahrudin Omerovic, sporting director Ali Camdalli has taken the reins. The 40-year-old has managed to collect five points from his first three games in charge and he will be hoping to extend Konyaspor's stay in the top flight with a crucial victory against Galatasaray.
The Anatolian Eagles have a good recent record against Galatasaray, having won two of their last four meetings. Notably, all five of Konyaspor's victories against the Lions have come on home soil, and they can expect strong backing from their supporters once again on Sunday.
Galatasaray were hoping to secure the title and become the first team in Turkish football history to reach 100 points in a season when they hosted arch rivals Fenerbahce last time out. However, their dream was shattered as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at home in a tense affair with 11 yellow cards and one red card shown.
Despite both sides having 11 attempts, only one shot found the net in the entire game – Caglar Soyuncu's goal proving decisive as Fener successfully forced the title race to the final day.
Okan Buruk's side can still achieve their historic double of retaining the Super Lig title and reaching the 100-point mark with a positive result against Konyaspor. However, defeat would hand the title to Fenerbahce in what would be arguably the most dramatic title race in Super Lig history.
To achieve their goals, Galatasaray must overcome a three-match losing streak away to Konyaspor; their last victory at Torku Arena came back in 2020.
Having failed to register a single shot on target against Fener, the Lions will need to rediscover their attacking prowess to emerge victorious in this high-pressure encounter.
Team News
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Konyaspor will remain without Metehan Mert and Yasir Subasi due to groin and thigh injuries respectively.
Sokol Cikalleshi has scored 11 goals this season and he is expected to start in attack once more, with Ogulcan Ulgun offering support behind the striker.
Galatasaray have a fully fit squad ahead of Sunday's clash as no injury or suspension has been reported.
Mauro Icardi leads the golden boot race with 23 goals, having a three-goal advantage over the closest challenger and he will be hoping to add more when he leads the line on Sunday.
Konyaspor possible starting lineup:
Slowik; Yazgili, Demirbag, Hadebe, Guilherme; Dikmen, Nzonzi; Ethemi, Ulgun, Ndao; Cikalleshi
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Kohn, Nelsson, Kutlu, Ayhan; Torreira, Demirbay; Ziyech, Mertens, Yilmaz; Icardi
We say: Konyaspor 1-2 Galatasaray
Konyaspor have found joy in their recent home meetings with Galatasaray. However, the visitors have been on a different level this season and have the quality to edge this affair, as we think it will be a close one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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