Galatasaray - Bayern Munich predictions and free betting tips [24/10/2023]

On Tuesday, 24 October, the 3rd round of the Champions League group stage is set to see Galatasaray host Bayern Munich. Three weeks ago, the hosts sensationally bagged a 2-3 victory from Old Trafford while Thomas Tuchel's squad just managed to get past Copenhagen 1-2.

Predicted Lineups

Galatasaray: Muslera; Boey, Sanchez, Bardacki, Angelino; Ayhan, Torreira; Tete, Akturkoglu, Zaha; Icardi.
Bayern Munich: Ulreich; Sarr, Kim, De Ligt, Davies; Kimmich, Laimer; Coman, Musiala, Sane; Kane.

Stadium

The clash is scheduled to take place in Istanbul at the Ram's Park Stadium.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray, having been very active in the summer transfer market, has assembled a team capable of vying for victory not only in the domestic league but also, of course, making waves in the Champions League. A testament to this is the evidence that the orange and whites have thus far not conceded a match in this group, largely due to their victory on Manchester United's turf by 2-3 in the previous round. This triumph dispelled all scepticism about the team's combat readiness that arose in the debut match with Copenhagen (2:2). Overall, the Istanbul side is in excellent shape, unbeaten in all competitions - 14 wins and 3 draws. Having beaten Antalyaspor 0-2 in the championship before the international break, the Turkish grandee last weekend bested Besiktas 2-1 at home thanks to a double from Mauro Icardi and is keeping pace with league-leading Fenerbahce. A successful outing on Tuesday would make Galatasaray outright leaders of Group A.

Only one club player, Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech (1 goal, 1 assist from 2 league appearances), is likely to miss the contest due to an injury. On the upside, the aforementioned Mauro Icardi (22 goal contributions last season, 8 goals in 8 outings this campaign) will be up front, flanked by Kerem Akturkoglu (3 goals, 4 assists in this league season) and Zaha. The defence will feature Angelino and Sasha Boey, while the midfield will be anchored by experienced Ndombele and Mertens (2 league assists this season). If midfielder Sergio Oliveira gets another yellow card, he'll miss the return match with Bayern Munich next month - Lucas Torreira could be his replacement.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich, despite their 6 Champions League titles, were close to dropping points in the previous round in the Danish capital. Copenhagen opened the scoring midway through the second half, but then Musiala balanced the scoreboard and Matthias Tel netted the winning goal. After a 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the first round, the white-and-reds top the group with 6 points. In the national championship, Thomas Tuchel's charges still trail the leading Bayer Leverkusen by 2 points. The Munich side beat Freiburg 3-0 at home before the international break and last weekend defeated Mainz 1-3. Twenty points from eight Bundesliga rounds is Bayern's best start since the 2016-17 season, and a Tuesday win, which would be their 20th in the last 24 Champions League away matches, would guarantee the club early progression to the knockout stage.

The visitors will be without their regular goalkeeper Neuer (back in training, but not yet match-ready). De Ligt, who missed international duty with the Netherlands, returned to the roster in the Bundesliga at the weekend, unlike his fellow defenders Upamecano, Gnabry (broken arm) and Portuguese left-back Raphael Guerreiro (all in recovery). Harry Kane (9 goals, 5 assists in all competitions), who has made a promising start to his first season outside of Britain, will lead the line, aided by Musiala and Leroy Sane. French winger Coman took advantage of Gnabry's absence and scored again last weekend; while in midfield, Kimmich and Laimer will hold the reins.

Head-to-Head

In the 1972-73 season, the teams drew 1:1 in Istanbul in the last 16 of the European Cup, then Bayern thrashed the visitors 6:0 at home.

Prediction for Galatasaray-Bayern Munich

The group dynamics suggest that the clash between Bayern Munich and Galatasaray is a duel for first place in the group. The hosts are undefeated this season and boast a squad strong by European standards. The guests under Tuchel are far from impressive, with an overwhelming injury list hardly making the Bavarians stronger. My prediction is a handicap of 1.5 in favour of the Turkish grandee.

Total Prediction

In fine form, Galatasaray is averaging 2.5 goals per game this campaign. Given Munich's defensive troubles and personnel losses, it's reasonable to bet on Galatasaray's individual total over 1.

Corner Prediction

Galatasaray will try to put up a fierce resistance on counterattacks, and corners are a potent weapon for the Turks. I’m betting on Galatasaray's individual corner total over 3.5.

Yellow Card Prediction

The support from their home fans can motivate the hosts to extra tenacity in any duel, so I expect them to receive at least 3 warnings.

Score Prediction

I'm putting my money on a 2:2 exact score.