As most European leagues are preparing for life in the coming season, the continental tournaments have begun in their qualifying rounds as the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League are both in their second rounds. In one of the ties in the Europa League, it is actually the big favourites who could be going out. Turkish giants Galatasaray have a 2-0 deficit to overturn after they were turned over by Swedish side Ostersunds in the first leg of the two-legged affair.

STATS

• The first leg of this European tie was Galatasaray’s first taste of competitive football in over a month as the Super Lig season finished at the start of June where they disappointingly finished 4^th. They’ll have to pick up their first competitive win of the season if they want any chance of progressing to the next round of the Europa League, which will also give them some positive momentum heading into the league season.
• Ostersunds have had to juggle their involvement in the Europa League with an ongoing league season as they sit 5^th in the Allsvenskan table after 15 games. They’ve been in great form recently and are unbeaten in their last eight games across all competitions. If they can extend that run to nine games, they will see themselves in the third qualifying round.
• Galatasaray need at least two goals to stand any chance of progression but if they concede, they’ll need at least four as a result of the away goals ruling. They will be relying on former Swansea striker, Bafetimbi Gomis to lead them to victory.
• Ostersunds had Saman Ghoddos and Jamie Hopcutt to thank for their two-goal lead from the first leg as the Swedish and English forwards both hit the back of the net. Two more goals in the second leg should be enough to see off Galatasaray.

HEAD TO HEAD

The meeting between the sides last week was the only time they have played and it ended with the hosts, Ostersunds winning 2-0. Galatasaray will need to score their first goal against the Swedish side to put themselves in the running for qualification.

Head to head matches: Galatasaray Istanbul - Ostersunds FK

13.07.2017

UEFA

Ostersunds FK

Galatasaray Istanbul

2:0

GALATASARAY NEWS

Galatasaray released news at the weekend that the contract of Wesley Sneijder has been mutually terminated which is a massive blow for them. New signing, Younes Belhanda will miss the game through injury along with Yasin Oztekin. Both players will be missed by the hosts and could prove vital absences.

Latest matches: Galatasaray Istanbul

13.07.2017	UEFA	Ostersunds FK	Galatasaray Istanbul	2:0	L
08.07.2017	Club	Diosgyori VTK	Galatasaray Istanbul	0:2	W
03.06.2017	Supe	Galatasaray Istanbul	Konyaspor	2:1	W
29.05.2017	Supe	Alanyaspor	Galatasaray Istanbul	2:3	W
19.05.2017	Supe	Galatasaray Istanbul	Osmanlispor FK	2:0	W

OSTERSUNDS NEWS

As Ostersunds look to protect their well-earned first leg advantage, they don’t have any players missing and should be able to use this to increase their chances of progression even further. They will have to stay resolute defensively if they want to make it to the third qualifying round.

Latest matches: Ostersunds FK

16.07.2017	Alls	Ostersunds FK	Djurgardens IF	2:1	W
13.07.2017	UEFA	Ostersunds FK	Galatasaray Istanbul	2:0	W
09.07.2017	Alls	Ostersunds FK	Jonkopings Sodra	1:1	D
02.07.2017	Alls	AIK	Ostersunds FK	2:2	D
26.06.2017	Club	Hammarby IF	Ostersunds FK	0:3	W

SUMMARY

With the 2-0 advantage they take into the game from the first leg, Ostersunds are expecting to progress into the next round. However, at home, Galatasaray won’t lie down and should at least win on the day. They will struggle to overturn the deficit which will be an almost impossible task if the visitors manage to grab a goal against the run of play. It should be Ostersunds who book a place in the next round but it will be a great second leg.