Barcelona vs Galatasaray Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 07/03/2022, 12:07  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 07/03/2022 at 13:07 in Europa League Predictions

Barcelona are a much more solid side now than they were in the first half of the season and will go into their round of 16 clash at home to Galatasaray carrying an eight-game unbeaten run. The Spanish side eliminated Napoli in the knockout playoffs and will be eyeing a first leg advantage against the Turkish side. Ahead of this game Barcelona needed a late Memphis Depay penalty to see off Elche 2-1 in La Liga. The Catalans have worked well on the attack; they go into this game having scored two or more goals in the last four matches. However, they still have defensive problems; ahead of this game, they have just one clean sheet in their last seven games. Barcelona’s improving form has seen them go unbeaten in eight matches, winning six but they’ve conceded two or more goals in five of their last 10. At home, they’ve scored in each of their last four matches while they have netted two or more goals in three of their last five home games. Still at home, three of their last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals. The last time Barcelona met Galatasaray was in 2002 in the Champions League; going into this game, the Spaniards are unbeaten in their four matches against Galatasaray.

Galatasaray are struggling domestically but the same hasn't been reflected in Europa League. They’ve done well so far, going unbeaten in their last 10 games in this competition. The Turkish side has five wins in the last 10 Europa League matches and finished the group stages unbeaten and top of Group E with 12 points. Ahead of this game though, they have no clean sheet in the last 10 matches and have conceded two or more goals in seven of the last 10 matches. While they have been poor defensively, Galatasaray have been consistent in scoring. Going into this game, they have failed to score in just two of their last 10 matches but have lost five of those 10. Away from home, they haven’t done so well, especially in defence, where they have conceded two or more goals in four of the last five. As a result of consistency in attack and a porous defence, six of their last 10 matches have produced over 2.5 goals. Back to the Europa League, Galatasaray have failed to score in just two of their last 10 matches.