The Daily Star Ireland
Malmö is having a difficult time in the Europa League, currently sitting in 30th place and trailing the last qualifying position for the playoffs by six points. Despite this, they managed a 1-2 victory over Qarabag on matchday 2, but have since suffered defeats to Rangers (0-2), Olympiakos (0-1), Besiktas (2-1), and Ferencvaros (4-1). On a positive note, Malmö recently clinched their second consecutive Swedish league title, with the domestic season concluding on November 10.
Galatasaray, a team seen as a dark horse in the competition, is in 4th place, just one point ahead of 9th, which would force them into a playoff. The Turkish side has been strong at home, securing wins against PAOK (3-1), Elfsborg (4-3), and Tottenham (3-2), but has struggled on the road, drawing RFS (2-2) and Alkmaar (1-1) in their latest matches. Domestically, Galatasaray remains unbeaten with 11 wins and 2 draws, although they are under pressure from Fenerbahce, who are 3 points ahead. After drawing 2-2 with Eyupspor, Galatasaray will face Sivasspor next.
Malmö will be without their starting goalkeeper Dahlin, as well as long-term absentees Moisander, Tinnerholm (defenders), Holmquist Vecchia (midfielder), and Haksabanovic (forward). Kiese Thelin, the team’s top scorer with 15 goals and 4 assists in the league, remains their primary offensive threat, though he started on the bench in the last Europa League match. Another key forward, Botheim, who scored against Ferencvaros, has 12 goals and 6 assists this season. Winger Bolin, with 10 goals and 3 assists, is also a vital contributor.
Galatasaray will miss key defenders Ayhan and Jakobs, as well as influential forward Icardi. Hungarian international Sallai is ineligible for the Europa League. Nigerian striker Osimhen, with 6 goals and 3 assists in the league and 3 goals in the Europa League, continues to impress. He has formed a strong partnership with Mertens (3 goals and 3 assists) and Batshuayi (4 goals and 2 assists). Akgun, the left-winger, has been the standout performer in the Europa League, scoring 4 goals.
Prediction
This match is crucial for both teams, with Malmö battling to stay in the competition and Galatasaray aiming for a playoff spot. Despite their differing goals, both teams have a tendency to draw in the Europa League, with Malmö recording six draws in their last 12 home games and Galatasaray solidly positioned in the group.
Prediction: Malmö FF 1 : 2 Galatasaray
