Real Madrid vs Galatasaray preview

November 26, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Real Madrid vs GalatasarayHaving already secured the first place in the group, Real Madrid go into this game without any pressure, and that is something Galatasaray will be looking to exploit as they desperately need points to improve their qualifying chances.

In spite of the heavy summer recruitment, los Blancos are again struggling to keep up with bitter rivals Barcelona and Atletico in La Liga, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men already six points adrift of the top of the standings.

Real Madrid have been showing a lot of improvement of late, recording several impressive triumphs in the league, while they have also impressed in Europe’s elite competition.

Even if comfortable triumphs over Galatasaray and Kobenhavn were followed by two under-par performances against Juventus, los Blancos picked up 10 points from first four games to virtually ensure the top position in Group B.

As a result, Carlo Ancelotti can now afford to rest his star men in the Galatasaray game, although that does not mean the hosts will not be going for a win.

Not surprisingly, home win pays just 1.30 (3/10), but there may be value in backing both teams to score at 1.75 (3/4).

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be risked as he battles a thigh injury, but Angel Di Maria and Marcelo have recovered from their respective injuries.

Sami Khedira and Fabio Coentrao remain on the sidelines, whereas Xabi Alonso, Raphael Varane and Gareth Bale are expected to be in contention.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Arbeloa – Modric, Casemiro – Bale, Isco, Jese – Morata.

After impressing in both Turkish Super Lig and Champions League last season, Galatasaray have struggled to live up to the billing this season.

Following some disappointing displays on domestic stage, Cimbom sit huge nine points behind leaders Fenerbahce, with Roberto Mancini taking over from Fatih Terim in an attempt to stabilize the squad.

The Italian manager hasn’t quite managed to do so, with his side suffering back to back defeats to Kobenhavn and Fenerbahce, although a hard-fought victory over Sivasspor did serve as a minor confidence boost before the trip to Madrid.

And even if Galatasaray can make a big step towards the next stage by getting something from Santiago Bernabeu, the Turks seem more concerned with the potential decider against Juventus at Turk Telekom Arena.

Roberto Mancini will be without first choice keeper Fernando Muslera, but Wesley Sneijder and Semih Kaya are back in the squad.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Iscan – Eboue, Kaya, Chedjou, Nounkeu – Gulselam, Melo – Bruma, Inan, B. Yilmaz – Drogba.

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