For the neutral football fan, there’s probably not much appeal to Tuesday’s Group D match between Galatasaray and Anderlecht. For fans of the two clubs, it’s a massive match because these two teams are expected to be battling for third place in the group. That position would allow their team to continue European play in the Europa League, and while everyone would rather make the knockout rounds of the Champions League, it’s better than just going home.
Galatasaray vs. Anderlecht, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
The two sides likely battling for third place in Group D open their campaigns with a key match.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
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Key Player: Nicaise Kudimbana (Anderlecht)
Anderlecht’s chances of getting a win in Turkey were already extremely slim, but with first-choice goalkeeper Silvio Proto suspended they’ll be forced to start 27-year-old Nicaise Kudimbana in goal. The Congolese keeper is likely to be put under tremendous pressure, and for the Belgians to have any chance of stealing a point he’ll need to have a big day in goal.
Key Matchup: Anderlecht vs. Galatasaray players and fans
Anderlecht may be the top team in the Belgian league but there’s a big difference between that environment and playing in Turkey against Galatasaray. An insanely loud stadium, flares, and who knows what else will greet Anderlecht on Tuesday, along with the 11 players Cesare Prandelli puts out on the pitch. Beating Gala is a tough enough task, but doing it in Turkey is a big ask for an Anderlecht team that isn’t particularly strong.
Galatasaray injuries and suspensions
Out: Semih Kaya (calf).
Anderlecht injuries and suspensions
Out: Fabrice N’Sakala (suspended), Silvio Proto (suspended), Anthony Vanden Borre (unspecified)
Gala’s only injury issue is an important one, as starting central defender Semih Kaya is out after he tore his calf muscle while on international duty. Things are even more complicated for Anderlecht, who will be without first-choice goalkeeper Silvio Proto and right backs Fabrice N’Sakala and Anthony Vanden Borre.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 9:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Türk Telekom Arena, Istanbul, Turkey
TV: Sky red button (U.K.), Star TV (Turkey), Club RTL, 2BE, Belgacom 11+ (Belgium)
Online: ESPN3 and FOX Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.)
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