Verdict: Galatasaray win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight Super Cup showdown on Monday evening, Galatasaray will welcome Trabzonspor to Istanbul.
Galatasaray
Starting with the hosts, making real history last season as they stormed their way to a record-breaking 25th Super Lig crown, Galatasaray have their sights set on completing another domestic silverware sweep this time around. Last seen prior to the winter break claiming a routine 3-0 victory at home against Kasimpasa, the Turkish giants opened 2026 leading the chase at the top of the table and holding a three-point buffer over arch-rivals Fenerbahce. Looking to extend on their purple patch when they return from their fortnight interval on Monday evening, Okay Buruk’s side have won each of their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions. Looking to punch their ticket for the final of this season’s Super Cup with another flurry, it should also be highlighted that Galatasaray have not suffered a single domestic defeat at Rams Park so far this season.
Galatasaray Team News
While Lucas Torreira might be set to serve a one-match Super Lig suspension, the former Arsenal midfielder is free to feature on Monday evening. However, all away featuring at this month’s AFCON, Galatasaray are without the trio of Mario Lemina, Ismail Jakobs and attacking talisman Victor Osimhen.
Finding the net against Kasimpasa last time out and recording a ninth Super Lig strike of the season, ex-PSG marksman Mauro Icardi will spearhead Buruk’s attack. Completing a blockbuster move from Bayern Munich over the summer, Leroy Sane will feature in Istanbul.
Trabzonspor
As for the visitors, flying out of the traps when opening up the 2025/26 campaign, Trabzonspor certainly cemented their spot as one of Turkey’s ultimate surprise packages. However, despite getting the New Year underway sat in bronze medal position, it is fair to say that Faith Tekke’s side signed off 2025 in the midst of a downbeat run. Last seen falling to what was a rollercoaster 4-3 defeat away at Genclerbirligi, the Claret and Blues have suffered consecutive domestic defeats for the first time this season. Getting their Turkish Cup adventure underway with a disappointing 1-0 loss at home against Alanyaspor, Monday’s guests have also shown some worrying defensive issues. Along with shipping 10 goals in their previous four appearances, Trabzonspor have also recorded just a single domestic clean sheet since the start of November.
Trabzonspor Team News
Both away at this month’s AFCON, the duo of Christ Inao Oulai and former Southampton striker Paul Onuachu will miss out on Monday evening. Likewise, still dealing with a long-term muscle issue, Trabzonspor will also be unable to call upon veteran number nine Anthony Nwakaeme.
Bagging a pair of consolation Super Lig brace against Genclerbirligi prior to the winter break, summer recruit Felipe Augusto will shoulder plenty of Trabz’s attacking threat. Completing a dramatic move from Premier League giants Manchester United back in September, Andre Onana should keep his spot between the sticks.
Galatasaray vs Trabzonspor Key Factors to Consider
- When Galatasaray and Trabzonspor last met in Istanbul back on November 1st, Monday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate.
- Galatasaray are unbeaten in their previous four home meetings against Trabzonspor (three wins, one draw).
- The reigning Super Lig champions have not suffered a single domestic defeat at Rams Park so far this season.
- Trabzonspor have suffered consecutive domestic defeats for the first time this season.
- Monday’s guests have recorded just a single clean sheet across any competition since the start of November.
Conclusion
While Trabzonspor might have gained a string of plaudits this season, Monday’s guests did sign of 2025 in the midst of a minor blip. Knowing that they face a monumental challenge when they return from the winter break here, Trabz will meet a Galatasaray side that have their sights set on completing another domestic silverware sweep this season. Once again leading the chase at the top of the Super Lig standings and regarded as a standout contender to defend their top-flight crown, Buruk’s superstar squad will be confident of opening the New Year with a statement of intent in Istanbul.
Verdict: Galatasaray win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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