Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to claim a crucial first-leg advantage when they get their Champions League play-off adventure underway on Tuesday night, Galatasaray will welcome Juventus to Istanbul.
Galatasaray
Starting with the hosts, although Galatasaray might have drastically failed to find any kind of stability during their European charge this season, the Turkish icons did drag themselves to a play-off finish. Knowing the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage on Tuesday night, Okan Buruk’s side are enjoying what has become an extended domestic flurry. With their sights set on defending their Super Lig crown in 2026, the Lions have won each of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 15-2 and they have certainly found a real clinical edge in the final third. Likewise, registering 55 goals in their 22 domestic showdowns this season, no team among Turkey’s elite can boast a better attacking return. Claiming a famous 1-0 victory against Premier League giants Liverpool back in September, Buruk’s camp will be desperate to snatch another heavyweight scalp in midweek.
Galatasaray Team News
Once again missing out against Eyupspor over the weekend and not featuring in any of Galatasaray’s previous four domestic outings, it remains to be seen if former Bayern Munich ace Leroy Sane will play any part here. However, making just a cameo appearance on Friday, Turkish international Baris Alper Yilmaz should be handed a full recall.
Notching a stellar Super Lig hat-trick last time out and now registering five goals in his last four outings, skipper Mauro Icardi will be hoping to keep his spot from the start. Arriving on a free switch last summer, ex-Manchester City super Ilkay Gundogan should start in the middle of the park on Tuesday night.
Juventus
As for the visitors, while Juventus might have opened up 2026 with their sights set on mounting a genuine Serie A title charge, the Old Lady have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen over the weekend falling to a dramatic 3-2 loss against fellow Italian giants and bitter domestic foes Inter Milan, there could be some increasing pressure on Luciano Spalletti’s shoulders in Turin. Watching their Copa Italia adventure come to a thumping end on February 5th as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming against Atalanta, Tuesday’s guests have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Enduring what has become their worst rut of the 2025/26 campaign, Spalletti should also have a mounting headache over his side’s recent defensive struggles. In fact, Juventus have shipped eight goals in just their last three domestic showdowns.
Juventus Team News
While French international Pierre Kalulu might be set to serve a domestic suspension, the 25-year-old is free to feature and will start at right-back. Missing out against Inter Milan over the weekend, Spalletti’s side are hopeful that Khephren Thuram will be able to make a full return on Tuesday night.
Although Jonathan David might have notched just a pair of Champions League strikes this season, the Canadian international should keep his spot leading the line. Arriving from Newcastle over the summer on a permanent deal, Lloyd Kelly will partner Bremer at the heart of Juventus defence.
Galatasaray vs Juventus Key Factors to Consider
- When Galatasaray and Juventus last met for a Champions League showdown way back in 2013, the Turkish giants collected a 1-0 victory in Turin.
- The Lions have won their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions 15-2.
- Juventus have recorded just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- The Old Lady have also shipped eight goals in their last three domestic matchups.
- Argentinian international Mauro Icardi has registered five goals in his last four appearances across all fronts.
Conclusion
While Galatasaray might open Tuesday’s first-leg showdown pencilled in as a real underdog contender, the Turkish heavyweights should be confident of asking some serious questions here. Watching Juventus fall to a dramatic 3-2 loss away at bitter domestic foes Inter Milan over the weekend, the Old Lady are enduring their worst rut of the 2025/26 campaign. Along with mustering just a sole win from any of their previous five matchups across all competitions, Juve have also shown some recent defensive struggles.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster