Dan Fitch is backing experience to tell when Galatasaray travel to in-form Club Brugge.
Club Brugge [1.95] v Galatasaray [4.4]; The Draw [3.8]
Wednesday 18 September, 17:55
Live on BT Sport 1
Brugge hit ground running, Gala adapting to change
Group A contains two giants of modern European football in PSG and Real Madrid. It’s no slight then to imagine that this match between Club Brugge and Galatasaray, may give an early indication as to which team will finish third in the group.
It is Club Brugge that have shown the most consistent form so far this season. They have yet to lose in either their fledgling First Division A campaign (P6 W4 D2), or in the qualifying rounds to reach the group stage. Club Brugge knocked out Dynamo Kiev and LASK to book their place in Group A.
Galatasaray tasted defeat in their first game of the season against Denizlispor, before building a run of three unbeaten matches (W2 D1). Having won the Turkish title last season, Gala automatically qualified for the group stage of the competition, which means they have had a lot less matches to build sharpness and fitness than their opponents.
This could be an issue considering that Galatasaray have signed a large number of new players this summer, many of whom are veterans. There are some notable names within their ranks now, such as Steven Nzonzi, Jean Michael Seri, Ryan Babel and Radamel Falcao, but it could take time for their manager Fatih Terim to get them functioning as a unit.
Galatasaray have the experience to claim a point
It’s fair for Club Brugge to be the favourites in this match, but they do seem a little short at odds of [1.95].
The Belgians have drawn two of their last three home games. Galatasaray lack preparation, yet have a wealth of experience within their ranks. At a high price of [3.8], it’s worth taking a chance that this one will finish as a draw.
Source: Betfair Champions League
