Two matches where one side has kept its working parts and the other is missing the piece it needs most. Galatasaray have rebuilt their attack around the setter since losing their opposite, and they close tight sets well against lower-table teams. Istanbul GSK win sets at home but keep failing to finish matches. In Turin, Lecce arrive without their midfield organiser and two wide attackers, which leaves them few ways to hurt a Torino side built on winning the ball high.
Istanbul GSK v Galatasaray. Patry has been out since the Super Cup, and Ma'a now spreads the ball across Maar, Kaplan and Koc. That attack has beaten every lower-half league side it has faced, closing sets of 31-29, 26-24 and 25-23 along the way. GSK are hard to put away at home: both their home league games went to five sets. But their weak point is the last few points of a set. Four days before this match they led Gaziantep 2-1 at home and lost the fourth set and the tie-break. Galatasaray also come in on almost a week's rest, while GSK have played four matches in two weeks. GSK can take a set in long rallies, but closing out the match is Galatasaray's strength. That's why I'm siding with Galatasaray to win.
Torino v Lecce. Torino under Abate press the opponent's first pass and play quickly into Adams and Simeone, with Belghali's right side feeding them. He played the last match and should start. Lecce are a counter-and-set-piece side, and the counter loses a lot without Pierotti and Monteiro, with Geubbels not fit to start. Ilic's absence leaves the build-up thin, and that is exactly what Torino's press feeds on. Lecce's forwards have not scored, and when Lecce chase a game they take plenty of shots but create little. Gallo's set pieces are their real threat. Torino's late collapses came against a side that kept the ball, which Lecce will not do. Neither team draws much. That's why I'm siding with Torino at home.
