The Turk Telekom Stadium hosts Galatasaray vs Lazio in Matchday 1 of the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League Group Stage.
In the four times that the two clubs have played each other, the Biancocelesti have won on two occasions, the Turkish side have won on one occasion and there has been one draw. These matches took place in the 2001/02 and 2015/16 editions of the Europa League.
When playing at home, Galatasaray has a record of 0W-1D-1L against Lazio.
Galatasaray Team News & Expected Starting Lineup
Fatih Terim‘s men are undefeated in their four Super Lig matches so far. Although they have failed to secure a clean sheet, they have scored two goals in each of the four fixtures.
Galatasaray‘s recent match against Trabzonspor ended in a 2-2 draw. After going up 2-0 within the first 33 minutes thanks to a double from Emre Kilinc, Danish striker Andreas Cornelius and Nigerian winger Anthony Nwakaeme struck to cancel the lead and bring them back to level terms.
Concerning absences, Kilinc (muscle injury), Sacha Boey (hamstring injury), Baris Yilmaz (hand fracture), Sofiane Feghouli (groin strain), Omar Elabdellaoui (eye injury), and Arda Turan (ankle injury) are set to miss this fixture.
Galatasaray’s Probable Starting XI vs Lazio, No Boey or Yilmaz
Lazio Team News & Expected Starting Lineup
Maurizio Sarri‘s men have won two matches and lost one fixture in Serie A thus far. Although they have scored 9 goals, they have not been able to pick up a clean sheet.
Lazio‘s recent match against AC Milan ended in a 2-0 defeat. Rafael Leao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted for the Rossoneri, while the Biancocelesti failed to find the back of the net for the first time this campaign.
Every player should be available to Sarri for this fixture, as Luiz Felipe and Manuel Lazzari both returned from their respective injuries against Milan. However, due to their busy schedule, the manager will look to rotate the squad for this fixture, so various players will have their chance to impress.
Lazio’s Probable Starting XI vs Galatasaray Includes Basic, Zaccagni & Muriqi
Galatasaray’s Player to Watch: Alexandru Cicâldău
Alexandru Cicâldău joined Galatasaray this past summer from Universitatea Craiova and has already become a fan favorite. The Romanian international plays in the middle of the park and is a lively figure capable of creating chances.
In addition to Galatasaray, various Italian clubs were interested in signing the 24-year-old; one of these sides reportedly being Lazio. However, the Biancocelesti decided to pursue Toma Basic instead.
Lazio’s Player to Watch: Vedat Muriqi
Vedat Muriqi will likely make his first start of the season against Galatasaray. The Kosovan has appeared in each of Lazio’s three fixtures in Serie A thus far; however, they have been from substitutions off the bench (for a mere total of 23 minutes).
He will look to prove that he is the right backup striker to Ciro Immobile in this fixture, and his familiarity with Turkey could help, as the 27-year-old spent six seasons playing in the country. However, he does not have a good track record playing against Galatasaray. Over seven fixtures, he only scored once and was never on the winning side (two draws, five losses).
Galatasaray vs Lazio: Prediction
Both clubs have shown their ability to score goals, however, their problems stem defensively. It is also important to note that Lazio have not drawn a Europa League fixture in their last 18 appearances in the competition. Expect both sides to net at least a goal, but the Biancocelesti to edge victory despite playing away from home.
- Galatasaray 1-2 Lazio
