Our expert shares predictions for Sporting CP vs Galatasaray. The hosts are expected to make the most of home advantage to secure all three points.
Best bets for Sporting CP vs Galatasaray
- Total & BTTS - Over 2.5 goals & Yes at odds of 1.82 on 1xBet
- 1x2 - Sporting CP at odds of 1.82 on 1xBet
- Anytime goalscorer - Luis Suarez at odds of 2.18 on 1xBet
Our analysis: Form of both teams
- Score prediction: Sporting CP 2-1 Galatasaray
- Goalscorers prediction: Sporting CP: Luis Suarez, Flavio Goncalves - Galatasaray: Leroy Sane
Sporting have made a positive start to their domestic season, and they aim to transfer that form to the continental stage. They've been steadily improving in Europe over the last few years. Last season was their best-ever Champions League performance, when they reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual runners-up Arsenal.
The Lions were unable to win a third consecutive Primeira Liga title, but they finished in second place. That was good enough to get them into Europe again this season and give it another go. Rui Borges’s men should have plenty of confidence heading into their opening fixture after an unbeaten start to their league campaign.
Galatasaray secured their fourth Super Lig title on the bounce last season, which means they’re into the UCL league phase for a second consecutive term. Their last campaign ended in the last-16, when Liverpool eliminated them out of the competition. The Cim Bom haven’t progressed to the UCL knockouts in back-to-back seasons. That is something that Okan Buruk is eager to change.
The Turkish champions have also made a positive start to their domestic league campaign. They top the standings after four matches, having won three and drawn one, which puts them a point in front. Heading away from home on the first matchday is tricky, more so for Galatasaray, who are more comfortable in their backyard.
Probable lineups for Sporting CP vs Galatasaray
Sporting CP expected lineup: Silva, Fresneda, Inacio, Debast, Araujo, Doumbia, Altimira, Catamo, Zalazar, Goncalves, Suarez
Galatasaray expected lineup: Cakir, Sallai, Bardakci Sanchez, Jakobs, Sara, Torreira, Akgun, Batrakov, Sane, Yilmaz
Goals galore in Lisbon
Sporting have scored 14 goals in their last five competitive fixtures, averaging 2.8 goals per match. The Green and Whites scored first in each of those five matches. It shows how much pressure they put on their opponents from the start. Additionally, Borges’ men have scored a minimum of two goals in five of their six home UCL games last season.
While they are in excellent attacking form, so are the visitors. Galatasaray scored 12 goals in their recent four competitive matches, averaging three goals per game. Three of those four matches saw both teams score, while six of their last eight competitive games had more than two goals.
Meanwhile, three of Sporting’s last five matches saw both teams score, while four of those games produced more than two goals. Even with Victor Osimhen missing, the visitors have enough to cause trouble for the hosts in the opening game. We also expect both teams to score, with more than two goals in total.
- Sporting CP vs Galatasaray Betting Tip 1: Total & BTTS - Over 2.5 goals & Yes at odds of 1.82 on 1xBet
The Lions don’t travel well
The home side have a chance to make history of their own on Thursday. Borges’ men can secure a third straight league or group phase win for only the third time. Their record of losing just twice in 10 matches, while winning five against Turkish opposition, suggests they can get the job done.
On the other side, Galatasaray are still searching for their first win against Portuguese opposition, after they lost four of five attempts (D1). Their away record is a concern, as they failed to score in 15 of 26 such games in the UCL.
They’ve won just one of their last 10 opening matchday UCL fixtures, losing five and drawing four. They have also won just two of their last 26 away Champions League matches, losing 21 and drawing three. All signs point to a home victory, especially after winning five of the six matches at home last season.
- Sporting CP vs Galatasaray Betting Tip 2: 1x2 - Sporting CP at odds of 1.82 on 1xBet
A man who’s proven himself
The visitors would usually rely on Victor Osimhen for goals, and he typically delivers. Yet, he’s battling an injury and is likely to miss out. That leaves the hosts with the next most reliable goalscorer. Luis Suarez recorded seven goal involvements in the Champions League last term, with five goals and two assists.
His stats from last weekend’s league match are enough to back him in this game. Suarez ranked top for xG (expected goals) of 0.95, shots on target with two, and touches in the opposition box with nine. He also got his name on the scoresheet as the game’s opening goalscorer.
The Colombian is heading into the midweek match full of confidence. He scored four goals and grabbed an assist in his recent four fixtures for the club. Consequently, we’re leaning on him to make a difference on Thursday and find the net.
- Sporting CP vs Galatasaray Betting Tip 3: Anytime goalscorer - at odds of 2.18 on 1xBet