Galatasaray - Sparta Prague predictions and free betting tips [15/02/2024]

On Thursday, 15 February, as part of the first 1/16 final match of the Europa League, Galatasaray will host Sparta Prague on their home ground. While Okan Buruk's charges took third place in their Champions League quartet, the Czechs emerged second from group C of the second-tier European cup tournament and missed out on a direct ticket to the 1/8 final. 

Predicted Line-ups

Galatasaray: Muslera; Ayhan, Sanchez, Nelsson, Kutlu; Demirbay, Torreira; Yilmaz, Mertens, Zaha; Icardi.
Sparta: Vindahl; Vitik, Krejci, Panak; Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Zeleny; Karabec, Kuchta, Birmancevic.  

Stadium

The contest will take place in Istanbul at Rams Park. 

Galatasaray 

Landing in one of the most challenging Champions League groups, the Turks finished in 3rd place, beating Manchester United. The Istanbul crew had the opportunity to make it to the playoffs from the second spot in the final away match in Copenhagen, however, they surprisingly lost 1:0, and hence have not reached the 1/8 final of the UCL since 2014. In the national championship, the hosts are topping the table, leading Fenerbahçe by 2 points.

Following the Champions League debacle, Galatasaray are unbeaten in 12 consecutive matches (10 wins and 2 draws); just last weekend, they successfully defeated Başakşehir (2:0). Moreover, the Turkish giants have not lost a single match at home this season, currently boasting a run of 9 home victories.

Sparta

This season is proving more than successful for Sparta Prague! The guests continue to lead in their championship in a battle with arch-rivals - Slavia, leading by 5 points, with a game in hand. In the Europa League, the white-burgundy side performed well in the autumn in a rather tough group, also featuring Sevilla's Betis, Glasgow Rangers, and Aris Limassol.

Sparta also boasts a successful away record: they have prevailed in five of their last six official matches away from home. In this match, Sparta Prague will not be able to count on their main attacking asset Haraslin (11 goals in all competitions) due to the forward's injury. 

Head-to-head Meetings

Two of the four previous meetings with Galatasaray ended in a victory for Sparta, although in the last head-to-head encounter - a group stage match of the Champions League 1997-98 - the Turkish team triumphed with a score of 2:0. 

Galatasaray vs Sparta Match Prediction

Sparta Prague only returned to competitive action last weekend after the winter break, so the physical condition of the guest players may cause some concern for the coaching staff. Galatasaray barely falter at home and possess a formidable line-up - we're confidently backing the favourites. 

Over/Under Prediction

Icardi, Akturkoglu, Zaa, Mertens – these guys could bolster pretty much any top-tier team in Europe. I expect at least two goals from the Istanbul club.  

Corners Prediction

Galatasaray will surely take the initiative and attack more often - the hosts will take the corner count with a handicap of -2.5.  

Yellow Cards Prediction

Sparta will have to adjust to the speed of their rivals and foul frequently, breaking the pace of the Istanbul club's attacks. The guests will win the yellow card count.  

Score Prediction

I'm predicting a 3:1 victory in favour of Galatasaray.