Galatasaray v Kasimpasa 20th August – Turkish Champions Take On Super Lig New Boys

Kick Off: Monday 20th August
Live on Bet365 Streaming 7.00pm

Galatasaray make their 2012/13 season debut tonight against Kasimpasa and will be looking to begin this term exactly where they left off last season.

The current Turkish Champions announced themselves back in the big time last season, pipping arch rivals Fenerbahce to the post in a gripping final game.

With Fenerbahce slipping up against newly promoted Elazigspor at the weekend ad grabbing just a point, Galatasaray will see tonight as an immediate opportunity to stamp their authority on the league this term, and the signs look encouraging .

Kasimpasa finished 4th in the 2nd division last season, and successfully gained promotion by way of the play-offs to join Akhisar Belediye and Elazigspor in the top flight.

Kasimpasa last met Galatasaray in the 2011/12 season, losing 3-0 at home followed by a 3-1 loss in Istanbul. It’s true to say that Kasimpasa face a huge task this evening, and bookmakers take exactly the same view.

Bet365 make Galatasaray 4/11 shots to take the spoils in front of their expectant home crowd, with Kasimpasa available at 8/1 to cause an upset. The draw can be backed at odds of 7/2.

Kasimpasa have enjoyed an injection of cash in the close season which has led to a string of ambitious signings, including Swedish international keeper Andreas Isaksson, and Super Lig veteran Fabian Ernst.

However it will be a while before Kasimpasa can compete with the might of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, and with the home side experienceing a successful pre-season, as well as a Super Cup victory over Fenerbahce, Galatasaray look very good for the win in their opening game of the season.