Sporting CP v Galatasaray: Champions League opener in Lisbon

Recent form points the same way

Sporting have won four of their last five recent matches, including victories by three goals and four in their two most recent outings. Galatasaray have won three of their last five, though their run includes a defeat and a draw in the opening two fixtures. The market-implied probability has Sporting as favourites at 57.6 per cent, with Galatasaray at 19.6 per cent and the draw at 22.8 per cent, a reading that tracks the form difference rather than contradicting it.

Summer movement in Istanbul

Galatasaray's summer included Leão to Galatasaray: Milan's bargain exit, while the club was also linked to Arsenal's Martinelli in a move that did not happen, as Flagside reported in Arsenal's record deal collapses, and Martinelli reportedly rejects Galatasaray. Sporting, meanwhile, were reported to have brought in Irankunda during the window. A win here would take either side to three points from one match; a draw leaves both on one point, a defeat on zero.

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