Galatasaray vs Çorum Belediyespor – News and Probable Lineups

Galatasaray kicks off their Turkish title defense against newly promoted Çorum Belediyespor at Rams Park this Friday, marking the start of the 2026-27 Trendyol Super Lig season.

The Turkish Football Federation has officially dubbed the new season the “Adnan Suvari Season,” a tribute to the iconic Goztepe coach who made history as the first Turkish manager to guide a team to a European semi-final.

Match overview

Entering this season, Galatasaray holds the title of reigning champions, having claimed their 26th Super Lig title last term, narrowly finishing ahead of Fenerbahce by three points, which further solidified their status as Turkey’s most successful club.

Victor Osimhen was key to that triumph, finishing as Galatasaray’s top scorer in the league with 15 goals and netting 22 across all competitions, while Baris Alper Yilmaz led the league with 11 assists.

However, Okan Buruk’s squad has faced challenges in their preparations for the title defense, emerging victorious in only one out of five pre-season friendlies, suffering three defeats and playing to a draw.

Such form raises questions as they approach Friday’s match, but Galatasaray has a prime chance to ease those concerns at Rams Park, where they were particularly formidable last season.

At home, the champions amassed 43 points and scored 46 goals, both leading statistics in the league, and their superior individual quality should present a significant advantage against a Çorum side embarking on their first-ever Super Lig match.

Galatasaray has also bolstered their squad with the addition of Lesley Ugochukwu on loan from Burnley, although notable exits during the summer include Mauro Icardi and Mario Lemina.

On the other hand, Çorum finds itself in uncharted waters, having secured promotion to the top tier for the first time in the club’s history.

They finished fourth in the regular Second Division campaign before defeating 10-man Erokspor in the promotion playoff, achieving a remarkable ascent to the Super Lig.

The newcomers have undertaken significant roster changes in anticipation of this step up, with Brazilian goalkeeper Marcos Felipe, Romanian defender Andrei Borza, and Turkish international Serdar Saatci among the fresh signings.

Yet, Çorum could not have asked for a more challenging opening fixture, as facing the reigning champions on their home turf poses a significant test for a squad whose primary goal this season will likely be to avoid relegation.

Galatasaray is expected to dominate possession and territory, while Çorum will probably defend in numbers and search for counter-attack opportunities through Mame Thiam and Jesus Ramirez.

The visitors’ best chance may be to maintain competitiveness during the initial phases of the match, but the champions’ attacking prowess should eventually carve out enough chances to secure the win.

Team News

Galatasaray is anticipated to have a robust squad for the opening fixture, with Wilfried Singo being the only confirmed absentee as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Buruk is expected to keep Osimhen as his central striker, with the Nigerian having already found the net during pre-season in the 2-1 loss to Villarreal.

Yilmaz and Yunus Akgun are likely to provide width, while Leroy Sane could also play a key role in the attacking lineup.

For Çorum, several new signings are set to make their competitive debuts, including Marcos Felipe, Andrei Borza, and Serdar Saatci.

Thiam is expected to lead the attacking front, with Ramirez positioned just behind and fulfilling the main creative role.

However, veteran defender Sinan Osmanoglu remains a doubt after suffering an injury in May.

Galatasaray probable starting XI:

Cakir; Sallai, Bardaci, Ayhan, Jacobs; Torreira, Sarah; Yilmaz, Akgun, Sane; Osimhen

Çorum Belediyespor probable starting XI:

Felipe; Sazdagi, Saatci, Smolcic, Borza; Ramadani, Karlsback; Abdulkareem, Ramirez, Rodriguez; Thiam

With Galatasaray’s superior quality, home advantage, and experience, they are expected to be decisive against a Çorum side venturing into their first-ever Super Lig encounter.

The visitors may pose a challenge for the champions during the early stages of the match, but Buruk’s attacking options should ultimately find a breakthrough, with Osimhen and Sane among those who could make a significant impact.