Young Boys vs Galatasaray prediction and stats: Final step towards Champions League proper begins
Young Boys and Galatasaray meet in the opening leg of their Champions League playoff round on Wednesday evening.
This is the final round before UEFA’s premier club tournament ushers in a new era, and both teams will be determined to be part of history.
Three predictions for Young Boys vs Galatasaray
Young Boys 1-2 Galatasaray (8/1 with Bet365)
Galatasaray has won their last seven away matches in a row, while Young Boys has failed to win any of their previous three home matches, losing two of those games. Also worth noting, across their last six matches at Stadion Wankdorf, the club from Bern has suffered three losses, with two by a one-goal margin.
Mauro Icardi to score anytime (13/10 with Bet365)
In all competitions, Mauro Icardi has netted in four of Galatasaray’s last six away games. During that run, he scored six goals.
Over 2.5 goals (7/10 with BetMGM)
Heading into this contest, three or more goals have been scored in each of Galatasaray’s last four games. Furthermore, there have been three or more goals scored in each of Young Boys’s last seven games.
How both teams go into Young Boys vs Galatasaray
YOUNG BOYS VS GALATASARAY
Young Boys were crowned six-time Swiss Super League winners last term, successfully defending their crown and claiming their 17th national championship. The side led by Raphaël Wicky won by 12 points over Lugano, thus qualifying for the Champions League play-off round. However, with their league season already five games old, YB has been struggling (two draws and three losses) and comes into this meeting with Galatasaray without a single competitive win, their last victory coming when they pummeled FC Printse-Nendaz 10-0 in the first round of the Swiss Cup. Galatasaray needed to eclipse the 100-point barrier to ward off Fenerbahçe as they won a record-extending 24th domestic championship and, in the process, successfully defended their Süper Lig title. In their quest for a three-peat, it’s so far, so good. After two matches played, they’ve picked up maximum points.
Young Boys host Galatasaray on Wednesday, 21st August at 8pm (UK time) at the Wankdorf Stadium.
Young Boys team news
Young Boys are without Facinet Conte and Saidy Janko. Additionally, Kastriot Imeri, injured for much of last season, has recently suffered an ankle injury and will be out of action until September.
Galatasaray team news
Galatasaray will be missing Davinson Sánchez and Kaan Ayhan due to injury and suspension respectively. Gabriel Sara, who played in Friday’s away win against Konyaspor, has travelled to England, where his girlfriend is expected to give birth. With Sánchez out, Victor Nelsson might partner Abdulkerim Bardakcı in defence, while Sara’s absence could lead to Lucas Torreira joining Kerem Demirbay in central midfield.
How to watch Young Boys vs Galatasaray live
Young Boys vs Galatasaray takes place on Wednesday 21st August at 8pm (UK time) and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
