Galatasaray vs Manchester United UCL Prediction & Picks: Will United’s Knockout Hopes Be Ended in Istanbul?

Manchester United may be finding some form in the Premier League, but as they enter today’s UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray in Istanbul, the Red Devils are dwelling in the Group A cellar and staring at European elimination.

With three straight wins and five victories in their last six games, United are now in a much more respectable position domestically after opening the EPL season with only nine points in their first seven games.

However, an affinity for allowing goals in Europe means that United enter their penultimate Group A fixture in a very perilous position.

Bet on Galatasaray vs Manchester United and More at BetDSI

Bayern Munich, who will visit Manchester in the final round of group stage fixtures in two weeks, have already secured first place in the group. But who will join them in the round of 16? Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen are both on four points, while United are bringing up the rear in the group with only three points.

Provided FC Copenhagen don’t win in Munich today, the three-time European champions won’t be eliminated today as long as they don’t lose. Based on their current overall form, there’s some reason to feel some cautious optimism, but their European results to date make that optimism very, very tenuous.

Galatasaray vs Manchester United Odds

Odds are courtesy of Bovada.

Moneyline

• Galatasaray +160
• Manchester United +155
• Draw +275

Spread

• Galatasaray PK (-108)
• Manchester United PK (-112)

Over/Under

• Over 3 Goals (-105)
• Under 3 Goals (-115)

Galatasaray vs Manchester United Prediction and Picks

Prediction: Manchester United to win

Picks: Manchester United team total over 1.5 goals (+105 at Bovada) & Rasmus Hojlund to score anytime (+175 at Bovada)

When these two teams met at Old Trafford last month, United led twice through goals by Rasmus Hojlund, but Galatasaray struck back to pull off a stunning 3-2 win, with Mauro Icardi’s 81st-minute goal the decisive strike.

United have given up three or more goals three times in the group stage, including last time out in a 4-3 loss in Copenhagen. In that match, United led 2-0 inside the first half hour, but the match turned when Marcus Rashford was issued a straight red card in the 42nd minute.

UEFA Champions League Results for Manchester United

• November 8: lost 4-3 at FC Copenhagen
• October 24: won 1-0 vs FC Copenhagen
• October 3: lost 3-2 vs Galatasaray
• September 20: lost 4-3 at Bayern Munich

Rashford is therefore suspended for this fixture, but on the flip side, Hojlund is set to return to action after suffering a hamstring injury against Luton before the recent international break.

Hojlund has yet to score in the Premier League, but he has five Champions League goals, and while all five goals have been for naught thus far, his return could be key to United picking up three big points tonight.

After winning at Old Trafford, Galatasaray certainly won’t be lacking for confidence at home, but they have surrendered five goals in their two home matches in the group stage, a 2-2 draw with FC Copenhagen in September and a 3-1 loss to Bayern last month.

UEFA Champions League Results for Galatasaray

• November 8: lost 2-1 at Bayern Munich
• October 24: lost 3-1 vs Bayern Munich
• October 3: won 3-2 at Manchester United
• September 20: drew 2-2 vs FC Copenhagen

It’s very tempting to jump on the value with United to win in Istanbul, especially if you want to take the most positive view possible about how they could and should have nine points and not three.

However, I’d rather take a couple of other good value options and take a team total over and Hojlund to score in his expected return. Things have been hit or miss in attack in the Premier League, but thanks in part to Hojlund, scoring has largely not been an issue in Europe. Look for that to continue tonight, win, lose, or draw.

Where to Bet on the UEFA Champions League

There are many sports betting sites where you can place soccer bets on competitions like the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, and MLS.

But here are some of the sportsbooks that we have reviewed and recommend:

• BetDSI
• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bovada