Galatasaray vs Juventus

Galatasaray [LWWWW] have reached the UCL knockout phase for the first time since the 2013/14 campaign, when their journey ended immediately against Chelsea. This time, however, the Turkish champions will believe they are better equipped to go further. A 2-0 defeat to Manchester City closed out their league phase campaign, but they have responded emphatically by winning all four matches [4W, 0D, 0L] played in February. Their most recent outing, a dominant 5-1 victory over Eyupspor, means they have now won five of their last six matches [5W, 0D, 1L] by a margin of two goals or more. Having strengthened their grip at the top of the domestic standings, the Yellow-Reds can now turn their attention to Europe, where they have proven particularly difficult to beat at home. They have lost just one of their previous 11 UCL home fixtures [6W, 4D, 1L]. History also offers encouragement. The Lions have lost just one of their last six UCL meetings with Juventus [2W, 3D, 1L], including a memorable 1-0 victory in Istanbul in their most recent clash back in 2013. They also boast an impressive record against Italian opposition, losing only twice in their last 11 European encounters [5W, 4D, 2L] and never at home [5W, 3D, 0L]. The hosts will be without Metehan Baltacı, who is suspended. However, there is positive news with Leroy Sané back in training and potentially available alongside new signing Noa Lang. Okan Buruk may stick with a 4—2—3—1 setup with Victor Osimhen leading the attack.

Juventus arrive after securing a play-off place for the second consecutive season and will hope to avoid a repeat of last year’s disappointment, when they were eliminated at this stage by PSV. The Italian side ended their league phase campaign strongly, keeping three straight clean sheets, including a goalless draw against Monaco. Under Luciano Spalletti, they remain unbeaten in this competition [3W, 2D, 0L], a record that should inspire confidence. Domestically, though, things have been less convincing. A controversial 3-2 defeat to Inter stretched the Bianconeri’s recent run to just one win in five matches [DWLDL] and marked back-to-back away games in which they conceded three times. Meanwhile, Khéphren Thuram is doubtful, while strikers Dušan Vlahović and Arkadiusz Milik remain sidelined. Jonathan David is expected to start upfront in a 4—2—3—1 pattern.