The Five Major Threats Rangers Will Need To Look Out For When They Face Galatasaray
Rangers are facing a challenging Europa League playoff round tie against Galatasaray on Thursday night, with the Turkish club having not lost so far this season.
In the last two rounds, Fatih Terim’s side made light work of Azeri side Neftchi Baku and Croatia’s Hajduk Split, and they have been in decent form in the league too.
Galatasaray won their two opening fixtures against Gaziantep FK and reigning Super Lig champions Istanbul Basaksehir before drawing 0-0 with archrivals Fenerbahce on Sunday evening.
So which players in the Turkish side will provide the biggest threat to Rangers when the two teams face other at Ibrox later this week? Press the next page as we profile their five key stars:
Arda Turan
The former Atletico Madrid and Barcelona midfielder returned to his boyhood club in the summer after signing on a free transfer. At 33 years of age, he is now in the twilight of his career but he will still pose a threat.
Arda will generally play off the left flank and deliver crosses and passes by cutting in onto his stronger right foot. In four matches this season, though, he is yet to score or provide an assist.
Falcao
Despite being 34 now, the Colombian international is still firing in the goals for Galatasaray, having scored three in his first three league appearances this season.
Falcao was an unused substitute in the last two qualifying rounds but Terim is likely to start him on Thursday to help secure their passage to the group stages.
Sofiane Feghouli
The Algerian international has had previous spells at Valencia and West Ham, and he is one of Galatasaray’s key playmakers, playing mostly off the right-wing.
Last season, Feghouli scored seven goals and provided six assists in all competitions, and he will look to deliver balls into the box when he is given the opportunity.
Emre Kilinc
Another free transfer summer signing, the 26-year-old has been utilised as the number 10 in league games but he can also play from wide positions.
Kilinc scored on his debut in the 3-1 win over Gaziantep FK earlier this month, while he also provided an assist in the 3-1 victory against Neftchi Baku in the Europa League second qualifying round.
Ryan Babel
The former Liverpool forward is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Ajax. Babel and Falcao have been swapped in and out of the team by Fatih Terim so far this season so it remains to be seen which one will start.
The Dutchman has been favoured in the Europa League but that may change against Rangers, so we may only see the 33-year-old coming off the bench in the second half.
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