Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk is preparing significant changes to his lineup for the UEFA Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon. According to a report by Fotomac on September 7, 2026, Barış Alper will start up front and Abdülkerim Bardakcı in defense, with Victor Osimhen and Mario Lemina unavailable due to injury.
The team currently sits top of the Süper Lig table. With three wins and one draw from four matches, Galatasaray have collected 10 points, leading Beşiktaş by a single point. They have scored 12 goals and conceded 6 for a +6 goal difference this season. This strong position in the standings provides confidence heading into European competition.
Which players will be unavailable against Sporting?
The absence of Victor Osimhen and Mario Lemina due to injury forces Okan Buruk to seek alternatives for this important European match. Missing these two key players tests the squad's depth. Additionally, El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Wilfried Singo are also on the injury list. The status of all injured players can be tracked on our injuries page.
In this context, Barış Alper emerges as the team's primary attacking weapon. Alper, who contributed 20 direct goal involvements (8 goals, 12 assists) in the previous Süper Lig season, had not featured in the first four matchdays this campaign. The Sporting match presents a major opportunity for him.
Who will get a chance in defense?
Okan Buruk is also planning changes in the defensive line. Abdülkerim Bardakcı, part of the championship-winning squad over the last four years, appears set to earn a starting spot in this match. Jakobs is also considered an option for this position, but Bardakcı's experience gives him the edge.
The manager may also make a final decision this week regarding Bitshiabu, who was a transfer target. This decision will directly impact the defensive rotation.
How will Rafael Leão and Deniz Gül perform against their former clubs?
Another interesting aspect of the Sporting Lisbon clash is two players facing their former teams. World star Rafael Leão joined Galatasaray from Sporting in 2018 after transferring from Lille. Leão, who will wear the split jersey in this match, will take to the field with special motivation against his old club.
Deniz Gül, who recently transferred to Galatasaray, is also returning to Portugal. Having transferred from Porto, Gül will also face Sporting wearing the split jersey. The experience of these two players is vital for the team.
What is Galatasaray's recent European performance?
Galatasaray managed to reach the Champions League round of 16 last season. However, their away performance was not at the desired level. They lost all five of their away matches except for a 3-0 victory against Ajax. This statistic increases the importance of the match in Lisbon.
Okan Buruk stated, "The yellow-red team faces an intense schedule until the international break," acknowledging the demanding program. After the Sporting match, the team will face Kocaelispor at RAMS Park. They will then play an away match against Trabzonspor. All these fixtures are listed on our fixtures page.
Cimbom aims to earn at least one point in Lisbon on Wednesday. Achieving this target requires making the right moves with a squad challenged by injuries. The team's next Süper Lig match is at home against 9th-placed Rizespor on December 6, 2026.
