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Astana thinking big as they take on Galatasaray

"I believe we can return to Kazakhstan with a good result," said Astana boss Stanimir Stoilov, his side out to deny Galatasaray a switch to the UEFA Europa League.

Stanimir Stoilov is gearing Astana up for a make-or-break encounter with Galatasaray
Stanimir Stoilov is gearing Astana up for a make-or-break encounter with Galatasaray ©AFP/Getty Images

Possible lineups
Galatasaray:
Muslera; Sabri Sarıoğlu, Semih Kaya, Chedjou, Hakan Balta; Selçuk İnan, Bilal Kısa; Podolski, Sneijder, Yasin Öztekin; Burak Yılmaz
Out: Hamit Altıntop (knee), Carole (hamstring), Denayer (knee)
Doubtful: Selçuk İnan (metatarsal & flu), Hakan Balta (rib)

Astana: Erić; Ilić, Postnikov, Aničić, Shomko; Maksimović, Cañas, Dzholchiyev, Twumasi, Kéthévoama; Kabananga.
Out: none
Doubtful: none

Mustafa Denizli, Galatasaray coach
Nobody expected Astana to reach this point [to still be in contention for third place] when the groups were drawn. They were unbeaten at home. Surprises happen in football, but we won't let one happen tomorrow. Astana's arrival in Istanbul almost ten days ago is a clear indication of how committed they are to securing a European spot and we also know about the rise of Kazakh football from their national side.

Highlights: Astana 2-2 Galatasaray

Stanimir Stoilov, Astana coach
In the last ten games we have played in Europe, we have shown that Astana are not a team to be underestimated. We performed above expectations and Kazakh public opinion matches my view. I believe we can return to Kazakhstan with a good result. We aim to book the final ticket for Europe that is available in our group.

Weekend results
Galatasaray 3-0 Bursaspor (Podolski 68, Yasin Öztekin 80, Burak Yılmaz 89)
Galatasaray recorded their first win in four Turkish Süper Lig games, Lukas Podolski and Burak Yılmaz both scoring their seventh top-flight goals of the season.

Astana – the 2015 Kazakh Premier League season ended on 8 November.

Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Galatasaray: WDLDLL
Astana: DLWDWW

Did you know?
Astana travelled to Turkey on 30 November to prepare for this game; find out more in our match background.

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