ISTANBUL (EuroCup Women) – With a EuroLeague Women Regular Season behind them, there will be no shortage of quality when Galatasaray host Perfumerias Avenida in the EuroCup Women Semi-Finals first leg.

But, who will take the early advantage in this mouth-watering opening match-up? Here are some of the factors that might help you decide.

EuroCup Women is a welcome distraction for Galatasaray

Make no mistake, Galatasaray have had a terrible domestic season and it could end up being their worst in recent memory if they don't finish strongly in the Turkish League. They are struggling to keep themselves in the Top 8 – let alone challenge for the top spots. Last weekend, they crashed again - losing heavily to Cukurova and moving to an abject 7 and 12 record. So, this Semi-Final clash in EuroCup Women gives them an escape from the grind and disappointment of their domestic woes. The win in Girona last time out in this competition was one of, if not the highest point of their season so far. They will be feeding off that memory.

Veteran guards look to set the tone

Silvia Dominguez and Isil Alben have pretty much done it all for club and country – winning international medals, playing at the Olympics and both are EuroLeague Women champions. On the floor, the pair will be vital in setting the tempo for their respective teams. It is a duel that we have seen so many times down the years, but that does not dilute the importance of this match-up.

Allie Quigley – that’s all

Seriously, we really need to explain this one? Go on then – the hot hand, the primary offensive tap for Galatasaray and the deal-breaker so often in the clutch moments. A class act.

Avenida breaking their road trip blues

When Avenida won on the road in the Quarter-Finals at Nadezhda, it was a massive moment. Up until that point, the Spanish side had lost every single game on their travels in EuroLeague Women apart from at BLMA, who were the worst team in the competition. Avenida are widely recognised as one of the most 'home-dominant' European clubs, which is why learning to win and be even more competitive away from Pabellon Wurzburg makes them even more of a title frontrunner.

FIBA