Galatasaray vs Hatayspor Prediction: The Star of the South Looking To Achieve The Unthinkable On Foreign Territory

Galatasaray will welcome Hatayspor to the RAMS Park in the 31st round of the Turkish Super Lig. 

Having won the reverse fixture 2-1 at home, Hatayspor will be looking to secure their second consecutive victory of the season against their opponents in this impending encounter as they vie for maximum points in their fight for survival. 

Let's have a look at the latest Turkish Super Lig predictions between Galatasaray vs. Hatayspor, probable lineups, match facts, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Galatasaray

Form: WWWWW

The Lions of Istanbul, who don't need any introduction as they are considered Turkish giants, have been living up to expectations this season. They have played the role of defending champions very well, as they currently occupy the tip spot in the Turkish Super Lig, although that position is yet to be guaranteed to them as they maintain a two-point cushion over their closest pursuers, Fenerbahce. 

Before the international break, they were hit with a string of unfortunate events, leaving them in a tough spot. Firstly, they suffered a 4-1 defeat against Sparta Prague in the Europa League, which saw their European football dream come to an end, and secondly, they were eliminated by Fatih Karagumruk in the quarterfinals of the Turkish Cup.However, despite that, they still remain in top form, mainly in the league, where they are currently on an eleven-match winning streak, not to mention they've avoided defeat in eighteen matches (W16 D2). Their last league match was a 4-3 triumph over Kasimpasa away from home.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Muslera; Kohn, Nelsson, Kutlu, Ayhan; Torreira, Demirbay; Akturkoglu, Mertens, Yilmaz; Icardi

Hatayspor

Form: WDLLD

Hatayspor, on the other hand, has seen a significant decline in form for a side that went the first eight games without suffering defeat (D5 W3). Since then, they have won four of their last 22 matches (L11 D7), and this has seen them entangled in a relegation battle this season, with two meager points seperating them from the drop zone as they occupy the 15th position in the Turkish Super Lig. 

Before the international break, they managed to pull clear of the drop zone by eking out a comfortable 3-0 win against Samsunspor at home. In light of this win, this also saw their five-match winless run (L3 D2) in the league come to an end.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Kardesler; Alici, Kilama, Maksimovic, Ghoulam; Beyaz, Massanga; Pedro, Sinik, Rivas; Strandberg

Match Facts

• Galatasaray are currently on an 18-match winning streak when playing at home in the Super Lig.
• Hatayspor have won one of their last six matches in the Super Lig.
• Galatasaray averages 2.67 goals per game when playing at home, and Hatayspor averages 0.73 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 10 meetings, Galatasaray have won 5 times, Hatayspor have won 4 times, and there have been 1 draw, with the goal difference being 20-15 in favor of Galatasaray. 

Expert Betting Tips

Galatasaray has been a force to be reckoned with in the league, where they currently boast an eleven-match winning streak, indicating that they could be in for a comfortable win at home, where they've maintained a 100% win record in their last 15 matches played.

However, we are also inclined to think that Hatayspor won't back down without a fight in this matchup, as they aim to distance themselves from the relegation zone, making this a highly contested yet entertaining affair. Considering the fact that Galatasaray have only kept one clean sheet in their last six home matches, Hatayspor could find themselves on the scoreboard, although it's unlikely they'll be able to avoid a resounding defeat.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 2.01
• Anytime Goalscorer - Mauro Icardi for 1.66
• Goals - Over 3.5 for 1.97