Preview: Riga's Futbola Skola vs Galatasaray – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Latvia becomes champion in the second round of the Europa League Riga's football school are expected to host the Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray on Thursday at Daugavas Stadiona.

The home team is in 35th place Europa League table without points after losing 4-1 to FCSB on September 26th, while the away team is in fifth place with three points and won 3-1 against PAOK on September 25th.

Game preview

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The hosts' defeat against FCSB was the first time in their last five games that they failed to win or draw in the Europa League.

As for the game itself, RFS was clearly outplayed and FCSB played over two xG, producing 18 shots and creating three big chances.

RFS is currently first in the Latvian league with 78 points from 30 games, six points ahead of second-placed Riga FC, who have played 31 games.

manager Viktors Morozs won't be too worried about his team's performances this season, considering their last defeat in the Europa League was only their second defeat in the last 14 competitive games.

RFS have won two of their three Europa League home games and also 18 of their last 20 home games.

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Their opponents Galatasaray were dominant in their win against PAOK, producing 25 shots and nine big chances and only conceding two big chances themselves.

With their win against PAOK, they continued their impressive 2024-25 season, as despite failing to qualify for the Champions League via the competition's playoffs, they have won six of their seven league games this season.

Cim Bom is first in the Super Lig with 19 out of 21 possible points and has scored 25 goals and conceded eight goals.

In their last game on September 28th, the guests drew 3-3 Kasimpasaalthough boss Okan Buruk made six changes from the team that beat PAOK.

Galatasaray have won 12 of their last 14 away games, although they have lost one, drawn four and have won just one of their last six away games in the Europa League.

Riga’s Futbola Skola Europa League form:

Rigas Futbola Skola form (all competitions):

Galatasaray Europa League form:

Galatasaray form (all competitions):

Team news

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The hosts have to contend with the lack of a defensive midfielder Alfusainey Jatta and forward Ishmael Diomandewhose return is not expected until the end of December this year or March 2025.

RFS will also be without wingers Emerson Deocleciano until the middle of the month.

Morozs used a back four in his team's last game against Jelgava on September 30, but considering he used a back five against FCSB, they were center backs Herdi Prenga, Daniels Balodis And Ziga Lipuscek everything could begin.

As for the guests, they cannot choose a goalkeeper Fernando Muslerawho received a red card in a Champions League qualifying match on August 27th.

Hakim Ziyech is close to returning from a muscle injury but is not expected to play until later in October.

talisman Victor Osimhen There may not be any risk on Thursday as he was ruled out last time out due to injury, but Galatasaray have not yet ruled him out.

goalkeeper Günay Güvenc will definitely be in the starting line-up and could be shielded by central defenders Davinson Sanchez And Abdulkerim Bardakci.

Gabriel Sara And Lucas Torreira can be selected to start in a double pivot in midfield while Mauro Icardi will probably replace Osimhen.

Riga's Futbola Skola possible starting lineup:
Ondoa; Savalnieks, Prenga, Balodis, Lipuscek, Odisharia; Markhiyev, Panic, Zelenkovs; Ikaunieks, Kouadio

Galatasaray's possible starting lineup:
Guvenc; Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Sarah, Torreira; Yilmaz, Mertens, Akgun; Icardi

We say: Riga's Futbola Skola 1-4 Galatasaray

Given that Galatasaray have considerable attacking depth, even if Osimhen is not ready to start, they could still create plenty of chances.

As for RFS, given the visitors' strong form, it's hard to imagine them escaping defeat.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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