Young Boys vs Galatasaray Prediction: Icardi can provide Turkish delight

The Champions League returns for its final qualifying round this week and on Wednesday night we have a belting game to look forward to as Young Boys host Galatasaray at the Wankdorf Stadium (20:00, TNT Sports 1).

Below I have taken a look at this game and given my Young Boys vs Galatasaray prediction, including betting tips, team news and more.

Team News

Saidy Janko and Facinet Conte are both going to miss this game with injuries, while Kastriot Imeri is also out until September. The Swiss international missed much of last season through injury, and the club will be hoping this season is not a repeat of the last 12 months. Cedric Itten scored three in midweek against minnows Printse-Nendaz but Silvere Ganvoula is expected to come in for this one up front. 

Galatasaray have a few issues, with Davinson Sanchez out through injury and Kaan Ayhan missing through suspension. Meanwhile, Derrick Kohn is attempting to recover from a chest infection to be fit for this game. New signing Gabriel Sara is also absent after returning to England to be with his pregnant wife, who is due to give birth shortly.

Young Boys vs Galatasaray Odds

Young Boys are priced at 3/1 to win this game on home soil, while Galatasaray are available at 4/5. A draw can be backed at 13/5, BTTS is 4/6 and over 2.5 goals is 8/11.

Galatasaray to win @ 4/5

Despite the defensive injuries, I think Galatasaray are far superior to Young Boys right now. The quality of their forward players, including Mauro Icardi and Dries Mertens is simply terrific, and with Lucas Torreira running the show in midfield they can have a decent season in the Champions League in 2024/25. 

Football Odds

They were hammered 5-0 by Besiktas in the Super Cup at the start of the month which was concerning, but they did go down to 10-men in that one and have responded with two domestic victories. I think they will want to make a statement here against Young Boys, and they should be able to get through this tie. 

Mauro Icardi to score first @ 4/1  

Icardi is loving life in Turkey and is still a level above any other player in either of these squads. He has scored 56 goals in 75 games since he joined the Istanbul club, and is now their talisman. He’s still only 31, and looks to be enjoying himself again after a frustrating spell in Paris.

Young Boys have drawn their last two league outings 2-2, and their leaky defence could cost them against this elite attacker. I truly believe he is still one of Europe’s best, and getting 4/1 on him to score first feels like a great price.

Acca Flex

Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.