FC Copenhagen vs Galatasaray
UEFA Champions League, KO: 20:00 Dec 12, 2023, Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
IT should be a cracker in Copenhagen when they meet Galatasaray in a winner-takes-all all final game in the group stages of the Champions League.
Actually, that's not strictly true because a draw would be enough for FC Copenhagen as long as Manchester United draw or lose against Bayern Munich. Obviously, a win would see them qualify in second place behind the Germans.
For the Istanbul giants, only a win in Denmark will do to secure second place and qualification.
In their domestic leagues, Copenhagen were handed a free week to prepare by their Danish football chiefs, but they hardly warmed up for this the right way when they crashed to a shock 2-1 home defeat by Aathaus last week. And they are only in third place in the league.
Galatasaray are involved in a massive fight for the title with rivals Fenerbahce with both 14 points clear of the rest. Their game was brought forward to Friday night to give them extra time to prepare for their trip to Denmark and they duly beat Adana Demirspor 3-1 at home.
How the bookies view it
Probably because of their need to win, Galatasaray are rated as favourites here at 11/8 with 888sport.
FC Copenhagen are 9/5 outsiders with Betfred. And the draw is 14/5 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The sides fought out a 2-2 draw in Tukley back in September. They also have a win apiece from a previous Champions League encounter ten yers ago.
Players to watch
Swedish striker Viktor Claesson has already scored six goals this season for Copenhagen. He is 12/5 to score anytime with bet365.
Argentinian hitman Mauro Icardi has already scored 17 goals in 24 appearances for Galatasaray this season and is clearly their danger man. He is 6/4 to score anytime with UniBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
This should be a tense cracker and the hosts could get the draw they need to get through. The teams couldn't be separated in Istanbul and it could be the same here. Both sides have drawn two of their five games and it could increase to three.
Galatasaray are a very entertaining side, with goals flying in at both ends. They have to go for it here and that should lead to more of the same.
The Turks' last seven games in Europe have seen both teams score in those matches and they shared six goals against Manchester United in their last game.
Copenhagen were also involved in a seven-goal thriller with United at home, so the precedent is there for goals and plenty of them.
Go for over 3.5 goals with UniBet at 13/8.
This UEFA Champions League match between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray will be played on Dec 12, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best FC Copenhagen vs Galatasaray prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
