In the second round of fixtures in the Europa League, Latvian champions Rigas Futbola Skola are set to host Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray on Thursday at Daugavas Stadiona.
The home team are in 35th place of the Europa League table with no points after they lost 4-1 against FCSB on September 26, while the away side are in fifth place with three points and won 3-1 against PAOK on September 25.
Match preview
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The hosts' defeat against FCSB was the first time they failed to either win or progress from a tie in the Europa League in their last five games.
As for the match itself, RFS were thoroughly outplayed and FCSB created over two xG, produced 18 shots and generated three big chances.
RFS are currently first in the Latvian league with 78 points from 30 games and are six points clear of second-placed Riga FC, who have played 31 matches.
Manager Viktors Morozs will not be too concerned with his team's performances this term considering their defeat last time out in the Europa League was just the second time they have lost in their 14 most recent competitive matches.
RFS have won two of their three Europa League games at home and have also won 18 of their last 20 home fixtures.
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Opponents Galatasaray were dominant during their victory against PAOK, producing 25 shots and nine big chances and conceding just two big chances themselves.
Their win against PAOK continued their impressive 2024-25 campaign, as while they failed to qualify for the Champions League through the competition's playoffs, they have won six of their seven league fixtures this term.
Cim Bom are first in the Super Lig with 19 points from a possible 21 and have scored 25 goals and conceded on eight occasions.
The visitors drew 3-3 in their most recent match on September 28 against Kasimpasa, though boss Okan Buruk did make six changes from the team that beat PAOK.
Galatasaray have won 12 of their last 14 away fixtures, though they have lost one, drawn four and won just one of their six most recent games on the road in the Europa League.
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Team News
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The hosts will have to contend with the absences of defensive midfielder Alfusainey Jatta and forward Ismael Diomande, who are not scheduled to return until late December this year and March 2025 respectively.
RFS will also be without winger Emerson Deocleciano until the middle of the month.
Morozs used a back four in his side's most recent match on September 30 against Jelgava, but considering he used a back five against FCSB, centre-backs Herdi Prenga, Daniels Balodis and Ziga Lipuscek could all start.
As for the visitors, they will be unable to select goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who picked up a red card in a Champions League qualifier on August 27.
Hakim Ziyech is nearing a return from a muscle injury but is unlikely to feature until later in October.
Talisman Victor Osimhen may not be risked on Thursday given he was forced off with an injury last time out, but Galatasaray have not yet ruled him out.
Goalkeeper Gunay Guvenc is certain to start, and he could be shielded by centre-backs Davinson Sanchez and Abdulkerim Bardakci.
Gabriel Sara and Lucas Torreira may be selected to start in a double pivot in midfield, while Mauro Icardi is likely to replace Osimhen.
Rigas Futbola Skola possible starting lineup:
Ondoa; Savalnieks, Prenga, Balodis, Lipuscek, Odisharia; Markhiyev, Panic, Zelenkovs; Ikaunieks, Kouadio
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Guvenc; Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Sara, Torreira; Yilmaz, Mertens, Akgun; Icardi
We say: Rigas Futbola Skola 1-4 Galatasaray
Given that Galatasaray boast significant attacking depth even if Osimhen is not ready to start, they could still create numerous chances.
As for RFS, it is difficult to see them avoiding defeat considering the strong form of the visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Lewis Nolan
