Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has made a surprise decision to start Barış Alper Yılmaz in the first 11 for the match against Sporting CP. The Turkish Süper Lig leaders travel to Portugal this week aiming to replicate last season's Champions League last-16 achievement.
According to a report by Fotomac dated September 7, 2026, Barış Alper will take the striker position vacated by the injured Victor Osimhen. Barış Alper was one of the team's most productive players last season with 8 goals and 12 assists. The club currently sits top of the domestic league, having collected 10 points from 4 games with a WWWD recent form, holding a one-point lead over Beşiktaş. This domestic form is what they hope to translate to European success.
Which players are on the injury list?
Galatasaray's technical staff is planning around the fitness of several key players. Alongside Victor Osimhen, Mario Lemina will also undergo a health check to determine his availability. Other names listed on the club's injuries page include El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Wilfried Singo. This situation forces adjustments in the defensive line as well.
Okan Buruk emphasized the significance of the change, using the phrase "flaş karar!" (flash decision). The match against Sporting CP holds added significance for several players returning to Portugal. New signings like Deniz Gül will face a former rival, while another player transferred from Porto will prepare to play against Sporting in the yellow-red kit.
What will Galatasaray's probable starting 11 look like?
Based on information from Fotomac, the probable lineup is set to be: Uğurcan, Sallai, Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Jakobs, Torreira, Sara, Batrakov, Sane, Yunus, and Barış Alper Yılmaz. Abdülkerim Bardakcı will anchor the central defense. The technical staff also plans to give playing time to a young player in the second half, a move indicative of the squad's depth and future planning.
The team's recent away record in Europe is a concern, with only one win in the last six trips abroad-a 3-0 victory against Ajax-accompanied by five defeats. Having reached the Champions League last 16 last season, Galatasaray aims for a similar achievement this campaign. The team, which leads the league with 12 goals scored and 6 conceded for a +6 goal difference, must carry this efficiency into Europe.
What is the team's busy schedule ahead?
The Sporting CP match marks the start of an intense period for Galatasaray. After the clash in Lisbon, the team will host Kocaelispor at RAMS Park in the Süper Lig, followed by an away match against Trabzonspor. The schedule for all these matches can be viewed on our fixtures page. These three important games will form the first major checkpoint of the season.
Galatasaray's next league fixture is at home against 9th-placed Rizespor on December 6, 2026. The yellow-reds, wanting to protect their top spot, must manage the challenges of competing simultaneously in the league and in Europe. Manager Buruk's policy of rotation and giving chances to young players will be vital in navigating this congestion.
