Gala coach Buruk faces Osimhen, Icardi dilemma
Galatasaray's head coach Okan Buruk finds himself with a positive selection challenge ahead of today’s match against Kayserispor, as he must choose between keeping the in-form Baris Yilmaz or bringing in star forwards Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi.Entering the game at Kayseri Stadium, the reigning champions boast a flawless beginning to their 2025/26 Turkish Super Lig title defense, having achieved back-to-back 3-0 wins over Gaziantep and Fatih Karagumruk.
Yilmaz has emerged as the key player for Galatasaray in the first two matches, scoring three goals and becoming the central figure in Buruk’s offense.
However, the return of Icardi to full fitness, who made an impactful return with a goal against Fatih Karagumruk, along with Osimhen’s readiness to play, gives Buruk a wealth of attacking choices.
The Nigerian striker had a pivotal role during his loan period last season, amassing 37 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, which helped propel Galatasaray to win the Super Lig title before he signed permanently from Napoli this summer.
Newly acquired Leroy Sane, who joined from Bayern Munich but has not yet scored, is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup as Galatasaray aims to maintain their perfect record.
Galatasaray stands out as one of only five teams yet to concede a goal this season, while their six goals position them among the league’s most potent offenses, making them early front-runners for a fourth consecutive Super Lig title.
Both teams approach this match with fully available squads, leaving both coaches with plenty of options.
Kayserispor, under the management of Markus Gisdol, will aim to become the first team to disrupt the defending champions' perfect start.
Miguel Cardoso, who was responsible for Kayserispor’s first goal last week, will be a key player in attack alongside Aaron Opoku, as the Anatolian Star looks to build on their recent success at home.
Kayserispor remains unbeaten in their last nine matches at Kayseri Stadium, a streak that includes seven wins and two draws, providing hope ahead of the encounter with the Turkish giants.
The hosts secured a 1-1 draw against Istanbul Basaksehir in their only league match of the season thus far, following the postponement of their opening game against Besiktas.
In recent encounters, Galatasaray has dominated Kayserispor, winning four of their last five meetings, including the last three clashes.
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