Trabzonspor vs Galatasaray

Galatasaray keep up their march to another Turkish Super Lig crown as they head to the Black Sea coast for a clash with an in-form Trabzonspor side in one of the highlights of round 35.

Cimbom are eight points clear at the top with 4 games to play, and can rotate some of the best legs of theirs for this one.

Okan Buruk’s side pressed the buck firmly home against title rivals Fenerbahce in a commanding 4-1 win over Sivasspor last weekend, as this opened up an eight-point lead at the summit over Fenerbahce, who were defeated by Besiktas the next day.

That win not only confirmed the supremacy of GC on the top spot, but they also put on an attacking display, having now managed to score four or more in three successive games across all competitions.

Veteran Victor Osimen continued to grab headlines with a clinical brace to bring his league-leading tally to 24 and career best third time around at 33 in all competitions.

Cimbom now at least have the possibility of a league and cup double still on offer, but as a bad game later against mighty Trabzon will be one of their toughest remaining fixtures, relief has eased through a cushion of points.

Galatasaray have totally dominated recent encounters in this fixture, winning every of the latest four matches including a thrilling reverse fixture 4-3, a few matches ago this season.

Trabzonspor on the other hand have experienced a massive resurgence since the appointment of Fatih Tekke and an unforced 1-1 stalemate against Kasimpasa the last time out increased their current Premiership unbeaten streak to four games.

Now comfortably placed in mid-table, the Black Sea Storm have nothing to do with the group that flirted with the drop out earlier in the campaign as Tekke’s arrival has allowed them to get the stability they needed.

They will be relying on their recent strong play at Papara Park, and this match serves as both a dress rehearsal and an opportunity to set a marker with the cup final versus Galatasaray approaching.

With four straight victories at home in every tournament, the hosts have good cause to think they can challenge the champions-elect.

Okay Yokuslu is anticipated to go into the back line and partner Arseniy Batagov at center-back because Stefan Savic of Trabzonspor is out due to injury.

Tim Jabol-Folcarelli will be replaced by Ozan Tufan in midfield. On a brighter note, Pedro Malheiro is back to playing after serving a ban and ought to return to the starting lineup.

Due to Mauro Icardi's cruciate ligament injury, Galatasaray will be without the Argentine striker for the remainder of the season and beyond.

Elias Jelert is also out, and Roland Sallai, who came in at right-back against Sivasspor and impressed with his poise and attacking output, is anticipated to keep his spot.