Astana thinking big as they take on Galatasaray
Monday, December 7, 2015
Article summary
"I believe we can return to Kazakhstan with a good result," said Astana boss Stanimir Stoilov, his side out to deny Galatasaray a switch to the UEFA Europa League.
Article top media content
Article body
- Stanimir Stoilov is backing Astana for a grand finale in Istanbul
- "We aim to book the final ticket for Europe," the Bulgarian says
- Galatasaray are sure of a UEFA Europa League place provided they avoid defeat
- Astana need a first Group C win to extend their European campaign into 2016
- Galatasaray coach Mustafa Denizli determined to hang on to third spot
Possible lineups
Galatasaray: Muslera; Sabri Sarıoğlu, Semih Kaya, Chedjou, Hakan Balta; Selçuk İnan, Bilal Kısa; Podolski, Sneijder, Yasin Öztekin; Burak Yılmaz
Out: Hamit Altıntop (knee), Carole (hamstring), Denayer (knee)
Doubtful: Selçuk İnan (metatarsal & flu), Hakan Balta (rib)
Astana: Erić; Ilić, Postnikov, Aničić, Shomko; Maksimović, Cañas, Dzholchiyev, Twumasi, Kéthévoama; Kabananga.
Out: none
Doubtful: none
Mustafa Denizli, Galatasaray coach
Nobody expected Astana to reach this point [to still be in contention for third place] when the groups were drawn. They were unbeaten at home. Surprises happen in football, but we won't let one happen tomorrow. Astana's arrival in Istanbul almost ten days ago is a clear indication of how committed they are to securing a European spot and we also know about the rise of Kazakh football from their national side.
Stanimir Stoilov, Astana coach
In the last ten games we have played in Europe, we have shown that Astana are not a team to be underestimated. We performed above expectations and Kazakh public opinion matches my view. I believe we can return to Kazakhstan with a good result. We aim to book the final ticket for Europe that is available in our group.
Weekend results
Galatasaray 3-0 Bursaspor (Podolski 68, Yasin Öztekin 80, Burak Yılmaz 89)
Galatasaray recorded their first win in four Turkish Süper Lig games, Lukas Podolski and Burak Yılmaz both scoring their seventh top-flight goals of the season.
Astana – the 2015 Kazakh Premier League season ended on 8 November.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Galatasaray: WDLDLL
Astana: DLWDWW
Did you know?
Astana travelled to Turkey on 30 November to prepare for this game; find out more in our match background.
