Galatasaray Vs Samsunspor Match Preview
The Turkish Super Lig title race is heating up, and Friday’s clash between Galatasaray and Samsunspor carries huge implications for both ends of the table. Cimbom remain top, but their recent dip in form has opened the door for rivals — and Samsunspor are arriving in Istanbul with confidence and a 14-game unbeaten streak.
This matchup promises intensity, tactics, and a battle of resilience versus home dominance.
Galatasaray Searching For Lost Spark
Galatasaray head into this fixture frustrated after conceding a 95th-minute equaliser in the derby against Fenerbahce — a result that denied them a chance to go four points clear.
Their early-season sharpness has faded:
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9 wins in their first 10 games
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Only 1 win in their last 4
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Three matches without scoring during Victor Osimhen’s absence
The Nigerian striker’s return instantly improves their attack, but Okan Buruk’s side still need to rediscover the fluid, cohesive football that put them top of the table.
Samsunspor’s Incredible Unbeaten Run
Samsunspor enter the match in fantastic form:
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Unbeaten in 14 across all competitions (7W, 7D)
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10 straight games unbeaten in the league
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A habit of rising to big games — drawing against Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and Trabzonspor
However, three consecutive draws — including a late 1-1 against Alanyaspor — show they sometimes struggle to finish opponents off.
Thomas Reis’s men sit 5th with 25 points, but defeat could drop them down the table. Still, their discipline and structure make them one of the most difficult teams to break down this season.
Head-to-Head: A Fixture Dominated By Galatasaray
History heavily favours the hosts:
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Galatasaray have won the last eight meetings
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Samsunspor’s last victory over Cimbom feels like a lifetime ago
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Recent games have been high scoring and entertaining
With form and past meetings combined, Galatasaray remain favourites — but Samsunspor’s current resilience cannot be ignored.
Team News
Galatasaray
Out injured:
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Ismail Jakobs
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Wilfried Singo
Suspended (betting scandal):
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Eren Elmali
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Metehan Baltaci
Osimhen is fit but still regaining full sharpness.
Samsunspor
Long-term absentees:
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Olivier Ntcham
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Ebrima Ceesay
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Bedirhan Cetin
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Tanguy Coulibaly
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Afonso Sousa
Also missing:
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Lubomir Satka (injured)
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Celil Yuksel (betting scandal)
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Joe Mendes (red card suspension)
Probable Lineups
Galatasaray:
Cakir; Sanchez, Bardakci, Lemina, Karatas; Torreira, Sara; Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz; Osimhen
Samsunspor:
Kocuk; Yavru, Borevkovic, Van Drongelen, Tomasson; Makoumbou; Musaba, Aydin, Holse, Kilinic; Ndiaye
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