Galatasaray v FC Barcelona: probable line-ups for Champions League clash

FC Barcelona travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray on Tuesday, 13 October, in the second matchday of the Champions League league phase.

The fixture at RAMS Park brings together two major European clubs who experienced contrasting fortunes on the opening matchday of the new competition format. Both sides will now look to strengthen their position with a positive result.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk faces doubts over goalkeeper Gunay Guvenc and defender Wilfried Singo. Their availability could prove important as the Turkish side prepare to handle FC Barcelona’s attacking threat.

Ugurcan Cakır is expected to start in goal, with Barıs Alper Yılmaz, Davinson Sanchez, Abdulkerim Bardakcı and Ismail Jakobs forming the likely defence.

Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina and Aleksey Batrakov are the predicted midfield trio, while Yunus Akgun, Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leao are expected to lead the attack.

Galatasaray probable XI: Ugurcan Cakır; Barıs Alper Yılmaz, Davinson Sanchez, Abdulkerim Bardakcı, Ismail Jakobs; Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina, Aleksey Batrakov; Yunus Akgun, Victor Osimhen, Rafael Leao.

FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona will arrive with several players unavailable. Raphinha is confirmed to miss the game because of a muscle problem, while Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji are also ruled out.

Frenkie de Jong remains doubtful as he continues his recovery and works towards a return to full fitness.

Joan Garcia is expected to start in goal. The likely back four is Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi and Joao Cancelo.

Pedri, Rodri and Dani Olmo are tipped to form the midfield, with Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon and Fermin Lopez named as the probable attacking line.

FC Barcelona probable XI: Joan Garcia; Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo; Pedri, Rodri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon, Fermin Lopez.

The match will be Galatasaray’s second outing in the league phase of the Champions League, with FC Barcelona providing the opposition at RAMS Park.