The Turkish Süper Lig delivers a compelling clash this Monday, September 22, 2025, as league leaders Galatasaray host Konyaspor at the formidable Rams Park in Istanbul. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 UTC (19:00 CEST / 18:00 UK). This encounter carries significant weight for both sides: Galatasaray, boasting a perfect domestic record, seeks to maintain its pole position and emphatically bounce back from a chastening midweek Champions League defeat. Konyaspor, after a promising start to their campaign, aims to halt a recent dip in form and pull off a monumental upset against the reigning champions. Can the Anatolian Eagles disrupt the rhythm of the Lions in their intimidating home territory, or will Galatasaray’s star-studded squad assert their dominance and continue their flawless league run? The stakes are high, and the answers will unfold on the hallowed turf of Rams Park.
Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between Galatasaray and Konyaspor have largely favored the Istanbul giants. In 41 recorded encounters since 2004, Galatasaray has secured 28 victories, while Konyaspor has managed just 3 wins, with 10 matches ending in a draw.
Galatasaray’s dominance is further highlighted by their goal difference in these fixtures, having scored 79 goals to Konyaspor’s 28. The recent history also paints a clear picture: Galatasaray has won the last five Süper Lig meetings between the two clubs.
The last five Süper Lig results are as follows:
- April 22, 2025: Konyaspor 1 – 5 Galatasaray
- January 25, 2025: Galatasaray 1 – 0 Konyaspor
- August 16, 2024: Konyaspor 1 – 2 Galatasaray
- May 26, 2024: Konyaspor 1 – 3 Galatasaray
- January 7, 2024: Galatasaray 3 – 0 Konyaspor
Notably, Konyaspor has a dismal record at Rams Park, having lost five of their last six visits and failing to score in four of those matches.
Current Form & Team News
Galatasaray
Galatasaray enters this fixture in scintillating domestic form, having achieved a perfect start to their Süper Lig title defense with five wins from five matches.
Their recent league results include:
- Galatasaray 3 – 0 Fatih Karagumruk (August 15, 2025)
- Kayserispor 0 – 4 Galatasaray (August 24, 2025)
- Galatasaray 3 – 1 Rizespor (August 30, 2025)
- Eyüpspor 0 – 2 Galatasaray (September 13, 2025)
Despite their domestic prowess, the Lions suffered a significant blow midweek, enduring a heavy 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in their Champions League opener.
In terms of team news, star striker Victor Osimhen remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained on international duty. He is expected to miss this match as he targets a return for the Champions League clash against Liverpool on September 30. Despite Osimhen’s absence, Galatasaray boasts a formidable attack. Baris Alper Yilmaz has been a standout performer with three goals and two assists in the Süper Lig, while Mauro Icardi, Leroy Sane, and İlkay Gündoğan are key figures in the offensive setup.
Konyaspor
Konyaspor has had a mixed start to the 2025-2026 Süper Lig season. Under the leadership of coach Recep Uçar, they have accumulated seven points from their first four matches, with two wins, one draw, and one loss, placing them 9th in the league table.
Their recent Süper Lig results include:
- Eyupspor 1 – 4 Konyaspor (August 10, 2025)
- Konyaspor 3 – 0 Gaziantep (August 17, 2025)
- Göztepe 1 – 1 Konyaspor (August 29, 2025)
- Konyaspor 1 – 2 Alanyaspor (September 13, 2025)
Konyaspor reports an almost full squad ahead of this crucial away fixture. Midfielder Ufuk Akyol is the only player confirmed to be missing due to a calf injury. Umut Nayir, with five goals in his last ten appearances, is a primary attacking threat, supported by Enis Bardhi and Riechedly Bazoer, who each have two goals. Goalkeeper Deniz Ertas has also been a key player, ranking second in saves per match in the competition.
Tactical Preview
Galatasaray, under Okan Buruk, is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The predicted starting XI includes Ugurcan Cakir in goal; a defensive line of Roland Sallai, Davinson Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, and Evren Eren Elmali; a midfield pivot of Lucas Torreira and Gabriel Sara; with Yunus Akgün, İlkay Gündoğan, and Leroy Sane supporting lone striker Mauro Icardi.
Their style of play is characterized by high possession (averaging 64.1%), numerous attempts on goal, and a potent attacking output. Despite their Champions League defensive woes, Galatasaray has been defensively solid in the league, securing four clean sheets in their opening five matches.
Konyaspor, managed by Recep Uçar, is likely to adopt a 4-1-4-1 formation. Their probable lineup features Deniz Ertas between the sticks; Yhoan Andzouana, Riechedly Bazoer, Ugurcan Yazgili, and Adil Demirbag across the defense; Guilherme Haubert in a holding midfield role; and a midfield four of Alassane Ndao, Melih Ibrahimoglu, Morten Björlo, and Enis Bardhi supporting striker Umut Nayir.
Konyaspor’s success often hinges on Uçar’s tactical acumen. They average 2.25 goals per game but concede one per round. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Galatasaray’s creative hub, featuring Gündoğan and Sane, looking to exploit any defensive weaknesses in Konyaspor’s setup.
Environmental factors are unlikely to play a significant role. The match at Rams Park in Istanbul is expected to be played under sunny, mild conditions, with temperatures around 22-24°C and little precipitation. While Konyaspor will undertake domestic travel, it is not anticipated to cause significant fatigue. Galatasaray, however, might experience some physical or mental fatigue following their demanding Champions League fixture, although they will be highly motivated to deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
