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Champions League newcomers FC Astana from Kazakhstan will take on Turkish giants Galatasaray in the second round of Group C. The two teams are tied for the last place in a group that also contains Benfica and Atletico Madrid.
Astana held on with pride in the first match and will be satisfied with the level of performance showed in the 0-2 loss to Benfica. Astana defended well and held for a draw at half time, but eventually could not keep up the same intensity until the end. The problem for Astana however is that they haven`t been able to win in Kazakhstan since that Benfica match. Previously undefeated for a long time, Astana now has 3 losses and 1 draw in the last 4 matches, including the one in Portugal.
Galatasaray fell down 0-2 after 15 minutes at home against Atletico Madrid and could not do anything to come back, despite playing a pretty good game actually. It was a bad result but it wasn`t a poor performance and Galata has been solid in the league as well recently, winning 2 of the last 3 matches. The Turks will know that if they are to have any chance of qualifying, a win in Kazakhstan is mandatory.
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Team news & lineups:
Twumasi is suspended for Astana, while Akhmetov is questionable. Both are key player for the hosts. Galatasaray misses Kaya and Hamit Altintop.
FC Astana: Eric – Anicic, Postnikov, Kulbekov, Ilic – Kethevoama, Zhukov, Muzhikov, Canas – Dzolchiev, Kalonji
Galatasaray: Muslera – Sabri, Chedjou, Balta, Karole – Kisa, Inan – Oztekin, Sneijder, Podolski – Yilmaz
Astana will surely give Galata a big fight and despite their poor form, the Kazakhs will likely look better today. However, they will play without their top scorer and their best center-back, so that will be a huge problem at this level for a side without any kind of depth – for example Astana basically only has 5-6 competitive defenders. Galatasaray has played well of late and they know this is a must win encounter.
Look for a tight game, but Galatasaray should eventually get the result – benefiting from superior quality and better form, also exploiting Astana’s two crucial absences. My tip is Galatasaray to win with a +0 asian handicap, but I guess a braver punter could also bet on the -0,25 spread. Prediction: FC Astana – Galatasaray 0-1.
Pick: Galatasaray (+0 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.72 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.76
Event date: 30 September
