Rizespor vs. Galatasaray Prediction and Betting Tips

The Turkish Super Lig is set to witness a thrilling encounter as Caykur Rizespor hosts Galatasaray on February 17, 2025, at the Caykur Didi Stadium in Rize. This match promises to be a clash of contrasting fortunes, with Galatasaray aiming to maintain their unbeaten league run and Rizespor fighting to avoid slipping closer to the relegation zone. In this article, we delve into the prediction, betting tips, and odds for this highly anticipated fixture, providing you with all the insights needed to make informed decisions.

Match Overview

• Date: February 17, 2025
• Time: 17:00 UTC
• Venue: Caykur Didi Stadium, Rize
• Competition: Turkish Super Lig

Galatasaray, the league leaders, have been in scintillating form this season, remaining unbeaten after 22 games with 19 wins and 3 draws. They boast a commanding six-point lead over their closest rivals, Fenerbahce, and have scored a staggering 57 goals while conceding just 2228. On the other hand, Rizespor, sitting in 12th place, have struggled for consistency, with 8 wins, 3 draws, and 11 losses. They are seven points clear of the relegation zone but face a daunting task against the league leaders.

Team Form and Recent Performances

Rizespor

Rizespor’s form has been mixed, with three losses in their last five league matches. Their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, conceding 11 goals in these games. However, they have shown resilience at home, remaining unbeaten in their last six home matches, including four wins and two draws213. Key players like Ali Sowe, who has scored 10 league goals, and Rachid Ghezzal will be crucial if they are to trouble Galatasaray.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray’s domestic form has been near-perfect, with 19 wins and 3 draws in 22 games. They have won nine of their 10 away matches this season and are on a five-match winning streak against Rizespor28. Despite a heavy 4-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, their focus will be on maintaining their dominance in the Super Lig. Key players include Victor Osimhen (12 goals) and Alvaro Morata, who have been instrumental in their attacking prowess.

Head-to-Head (H2H) Record

Galatasaray has historically dominated this fixture, winning 33 of their 50 encounters. In their last five meetings, Galatasaray has emerged victorious each time, including a 5-0 thrashing earlier this season813. Rizespor’s last win against Galatasaray dates back to 2020, highlighting the visitors’ superiority in this matchup.

Key Statistics

• Rizespor:
  • Average goals scored per match: 1.8
  • Average goals conceded per match: 1.7
  • Home form: Unbeaten in last six matches (4 wins, 2 draws).
• Galatasaray:
  • Average goals scored per match: 2.1
  • Average goals conceded per match: 1.4
  • Away form: 9 wins in 10 matches.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Match Prediction

Galatasaray’s superior form and historical dominance make them the clear favorites. Despite Rizespor’s strong home record, the visitors’ attacking firepower and defensive solidity are likely to prevail. Our prediction is a 2-1 win for Galatasaray.

Betting Tips

1. Match Winner: Galatasaray to win (odds: 1.55).
2. Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes (odds: 1.61).
3. Total Goals: Over 2.5 goals (odds: 1.58).
4. Correct Score: Galatasaray 2-1 (odds: 7.00).

Team News and Lineups

Rizespor

Rizespor will be without Dal Varesanovic and Samet Akaydin due to suspension, while Eray Korkmaz is sidelined with an injury. However, Ibrahim Olawoyin and Rachid Ghezzal return to the starting XI.

Possible Starting XI:
Grbic; Sahin, Mocsi, Alikulov, Hojer; Olawoyin, Papanikolaou; Akintola, Omur, Ghezzal; Sowe.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray will miss Yunus Akgun and Ismail Jakobs due to injuries, while Mauro Icardi remains out for the season. However, Fernando Muslera, Lucas Torreira, and Baris Alper Yilmaz return after serving suspensions.

Possible Starting XI:
Muslera; Sanchez, Cuesta, Bardakci; Kutucu, Sara, Lemina, Frankowski; Mertens; Osimhen, Morata.

Why Bet on Galatasaray?

1. Unbeaten Record: Galatasaray has not lost a single league game this season.
2. Away Form: They have won nine of their 10 away matches.
3. H2H Dominance: Galatasaray has won the last five encounters against Rizespor.

Why Bet on Rizespor?

1. Home Record: Rizespor is unbeaten in their last six home matches.
2. Attacking Threat: With players like Ali Sowe and Rachid Ghezzal, they can trouble any defense.

Conclusion

The Rizespor vs. Galatasaray clash is set to be an exciting encounter, with Galatasaray looking to extend their unbeaten run and Rizespor aiming to capitalize on their home advantage. While Galatasaray are the favorites, Rizespor’s resilience at home could make this a closer contest than expected. For bettors, focusing on Galatasaray to win, BTTS: Yes, and Over 2.5 goals offers the best value.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling Super Lig showdown!