Galatasaray vs Konyaspor

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Galatasaray, strong contenders for the Super Lig title, are set to host Konyaspor in Istanbul this Sunday, adding to the ongoing competition for dominance in Turkey.

Following a rather dull goalless draw in the Intercontinental derby against Fenerbahce on December 24, Gala's schedule has been eventful. The highly anticipated clash with Fenerbahce didn't match the hype, despite initial expectations of it being a pivotal title-deciding fixture.

Soon after, both teams were scheduled for a Super Kupa face-off in Saudi Arabia. However, given the significance of Turkey's 100th anniversary of independence, requests were made to honor the occasion with the national anthem and quotes from Ataturk, a key figure in Turkey's formation. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the hosts were reluctant to accommodate these requests, leading to both squads refusing to participate and returning to Turkey.

In an uncommon show of unity between these fierce rivals, their competition resumes as they both return to league action this weekend.

Currently tied at 44 points each after a sixth goalless draw in seven years in the derby, Galatasaray's recent league form includes a halt to their four-game winning streak. Nonetheless, their defensive strength remains commendable, conceding only one goal in their last five matches—a penalty against Adana Demirspor.

With a significant 14-point gap separating the top two from Trabzonspor in third place, the race for the title appears confined to these two clubs.

Konyaspor kicks off a challenging 21-day stretch in January, facing seven opponents, starting with Konyaspor. Despite their near relegation position, Konyaspor has displayed improvement after a rough start.

After a shaky beginning, Konyaspor has displayed resilience, moving themselves out of the bottom four, suffering only one defeat in five matches. This positive streak has earned them eight crucial points, a notable achievement considering their struggle during a two-month period between mid-September and mid-November, where they secured just two points in eight games.

However, Konyaspor faces a tough test this week with back-to-back daunting matches. Following their clash with Gala, they swiftly confront Fener in an away game, a challenging scenario likely to result in two defeats. Despite this, Hakan Keles's team will stay in Istanbul for a third consecutive away game, squaring off against Istanbulspor in a pivotal showdown near the relegation zone.

Lucas Torreira and Sacha Boey won't play in the upcoming Galatasaray match due to suspension—both received their fourth yellow cards during the Fenerbahce derby. Kerem Akturkoglu's availability is uncertain, while Wilfried Zaha, left out of the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, remains an option for Buruk.

However, Hakim Ziyech and Cedric Bakambu will represent Morocco and DR Congo respectively, leaving less support behind Mauro Icardi upfront. Tete is likely to start on the right of attack. Injuries to Davinson Sanchez and Sergio Oliveira mean they're sidelined for the hosts.

Konyaspor faces a few injury concerns, but Gokhan Tore and Muhammet Demir might return soon from long-term setbacks. Additionally, Bruno Paz, despite previous injury setbacks, earned a call-up for Angola for the AFCON, reducing the visitors' squad depth.

The home team has had a successful run in the league and aims to defend their Super Lig title. Their recent league match against Fenerbahce ended in a goalless draw, characterized by an unusual lack of excitement, resulting in only one combined shot on target throughout the game.

Galatasaray currently holds the second position in the league standings with 44 points from 17 games, sharing the top spot with Fenerbahce. A win on Sunday could propel them to the lead.

On the other hand, Konyaspor has faced a disappointing league season and is positioned just above the relegation zone. In their recent league match, they secured a 2-0 victory over Kayserispor with two penalty goals from Albania international Sokol Cikalleshi.

Konyaspor is in 16th place with 18 points from 17 matches, narrowly avoiding the relegation zone by one point. They aim to widen this gap in the upcoming weekend clash.

The history between Galatasaray and Konyaspor involves 48 meetings, with the hosts winning 34 times, the visitors securing five victories, and nine matches ending in draws. Konyaspor has yet to win at the Rams Park Stadyumu.

Galatasaray has not kept a clean sheet in the last three encounters with Konyaspor. Only one of Konyaspor's four league victories this season occurred in an away game. Galatasaray boasts the best defensive record in the Turkish top-flight, conceding only nine goals. With an ongoing unbeaten streak and just one loss in their last seven games across all competitions, Galatasaray has won four of their last five home matches and enters the weekend clash with confidence.