Despite Fatih Terim’s assertions, Galatasaray almost certainly need a win against CFR Cluj if they are to hope to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Galatasaray vs. CFR Cluj, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Preview and TV Schedule
Galatasaray and Cluj face each other in the first of two crucial matches in what is becoming a highly unpredictable group.
The Galatasaray boss insisted that “It will not be a match which determines our destiny”, but with his team bottom of the group without a point, the facts suggest otherwise. His side have gone four games without a win in all competitions, drawing 3-3 at Genclerbirligi at the weekend, but despite Gala’s defensive woes, Terim has spoken of the need for his side to be more attacking.
Their opponents Cluj are also in poor form, having lost three games in a row, the most recent being a miserable 1-0 home defeat against the ten men of Viitorul Constanta. Yet paradoxically, his side have won their last three European away victories, and Galatasaray’s famed home form has deserted them in Europe, having failed to win their last four fixtures at the Turk Telekom Arena. Cluj will know that they will not have many better chances to qualify for the first knockout round - an excellent achievement for them.
Galatasaray injuries and suspensions
Out: Tomáš Ujfaluši (knee) In doubt: Burak Yilmaz (knee), Semih Kaya (hip)
CFR Cluj injuries and suspensions
Out: Ciprian Deac (knee), Adam Vass (foot), Bakary Sare (leg) Ronny (ligament). In doubt: Modou Sougou (hamstring).
Galatasaray find themselves with few injury problems beyond long-term absentee Ujfalusi, with Burak Yilmaz and Semih Kaya both expected to undergo late fitness tests.
Cluj, meanwhile, have had their squad weakened by a swathe of long-term injuries early on in the season, but have had time to adjust to live without them. Modou Sougou will probably be back for a place on the bench.
Match Date/Time: 9:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Türk Telekom Arena, Istanbul, Turkey
TV: DirecTV Soccer (U.S.), Sky Sports red button (U.K.), Star TV, NTV Spor, Dsmart Istzeize Live (Turkey), Dolce Sport, Digi Sport 1 (Romania)
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada)
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